University of Colorado forward Lior Garzon takes a shot as forward Ayianna Johnson sets a pick against Arizona State University guard Jalyn Brown during the women’s basketball game at the CU Events Center in Boulder, Colo. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. (Linus Loughry/CU Independent)
The University of Colorado women’s basketball team (18-11, 9-9 Big 12) celebrated their senior night on Wednesday by defeating the Arizona State University Sun Devils (9-21, 3-15 Big 12) 89-54. Graduate student forward Lior Garzon and senior guard Kindyll Wetta finished with 17 and 12 points respectively.
The Buffs celebrated their six seniors – forward Nyamer Diew, Garzon, guard Sarah-Rose Smith, Wetta, guard Johanna Teder and guard Frida Formann – in an after-game ceremony, and before the game, CU head coach JR Payne gave flowers to the ASU seniors.
Colorado won the tip, and Wetta kicked off her senior night with the Buffs’ first points. However, it was a slow start for both teams. CU’s offense was stagnant to begin, as they worked to get open looks, and they ended the first with a 22-11 lead.
The second quarter was an extension of the first. The Sun Devils ran a tough press, making Colorado run out the shot clock, getting to the front court.
With the Buffs’ leading scorer, junior forward Jade Masogayo, out for much of the quarter with foul trouble, they continued to struggle with missed layups.
Their rebounding proved crucial in helping them extend their lead. Colorado had 27 rebounds in the first half, compared with ASU’s 13. CU also had nine offensive rebounds, translating to nine second chance points.
Toward the end of the second quarter, Colorado went on a 9-0 run, including a long lob from Wetta to freshman forward Tabitha Betson for a reverse layup. Wetta ended the half by firing up the crowd with a steal and a triple to send the Buffs into the locker room with a 41-20 lead.
Colorado came out hot to start the second half, with Garzon swishing a three to start on a 7-0 run, forcing an ASU timeout.
That didn’t slow them down, however, as Colorado continued to produce on offense. After their stagnant first half, the Buffs looked more fluid running the floor in transition and getting quick buckets.
The Sun Devils attempted to stifle CU by switching to a zone defense, which the Buffs easily dismantled through quick passing. Arizona State was unable to get going on offense, and Colorado outscored them by 18 points to gain a dominant 39 point lead, 70-31.
The Buffs continued to shoot well, recording three triples throughout the fourth. While ASU’s offense finally got rolling, even outsourcing CU in the final quarter, it was too little too late. The final score was 89-54, an important win for the Buffs, who were looking to bounce back after two straight losses.
“I think our preparation and our response after Oklahoma State was really good,” Payne said.
In the final minutes of the game, Payne called two consecutive timeouts to allow all the team’s seniors, including Smith and Formann, both out with injuries, a chance to step on the court one last time. They walked off to a standing ovation.
While Formann was unable to play for the last part of the season, she will leave a legacy at CU, including the record for most career three-pointers between men or women.
Wetta ended her last home game fittingly, with six assists. Wetta is currently ranked No. 25 in the NCAA averaging 5.4 assists per game.
“I could not have asked for a better four years here,” Wetta said.
“We’re right there,” Payne said about Colorado entering postseason play. “We just have to keep doing what we need to do.”
Following an overtime loss to Texas Tech University on Saturday, the Buffs now prepare for the 2024-25 Big 12 Tournament, beginning this Wednesday in a matchup against the University of Houston in Kansas City, Missouri. Tip off is at 12:30 p.m. MT, streamed live on ESPN+.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Lila Nuttle at lila.nuttle@colorado.edu
