Senior forward Jade Masogayo defends in Colorado’s game against Portland State on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025 at the CU Events Center. (Scott Tan/CU Independent)
The Colorado Buffaloes (2-1) returned to the CU Events Center in victorious fashion after taking No. 22 Louisville down to the wire on Wednesday, beating Portland State (1-2) 77-45. CU controlled every piece of the hardwood Sunday afternoon, thanks largely to a defense that forced 26 turnovers and 18 steals on a day when the offense shot 45% from the field.
Freshman Logyn Greer continued the sharp start to her collegiate career, despite battling illness, following 13 points in the Louisville loss with a game and career-high 19 points. Greer and fellow freshman Anaëlle Dutat were integral to the Buffs’ second-chances, tallying 14 of CU’s 39 total rebounds.
Colorado separated in the second quarter, initiated by a reverse layup from Greer and a step-back three from junior Desiree Wooten to jump up by eight. The Buffs began turning defense into offense, converting 17 turnovers in the quarter into attacks at the rim. CU outscored the Vikings by 10 in the period to take a 37-23 lead into halftime.
During halftime, CU honored alum Jaylyn Sherrod, who became the first Buff to win a WNBA title. Sherrod was commemorated by being added to the Wall of Honor at the CU Events Center.
Former Colorado player and WNBA champion Jaylyn Sherrod is honored at Colorado’s game against Portland State on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025 at the CU Events Center. (Scott Tan/CU Independent)
Colorado opened the second half on a 9-1 run, not skipping a beat from the productive second quarter. Portland State got outscored 44-25 over the middle quarters, with CU’s defense holding the Vikings to just six made field goals in the second half.
“[It’s] just our mindset,” head coach JR Payne said about keeping their foot on the pedal defensively. “We have some players on our team that really love to guard.”
Junior Zyanna Walker was an unsung hero of the game, excelling on both sides with six assists and five steals.
“Credit to my work over the summer,” Walker said. “Even though I’ve been injured, [I’m] making sure I’m getting in the gym, doing everything I can.”
Colorado had seven different players score more than five points, with Walker, Wooten, junior Claire O’Connor and freshman Erianna Gooden each posting eight. Payne was able to rest starters while fine-tuning the defense in a great bounce-back victory for the Buffs.
“Great win,” Payne said. “So many different people played, we rebounded incredibly well in the second half, lots of different people scoring … [there’s] lots that we can learn but also some good things to celebrate from the game.”
They don’t get to rest for long however, as CU welcomes Boise State University (3-0) on Nov. 18. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. MT at the CU Events Center, and the game will stream on ESPN+.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Baylan Wysuph at baylan.wysuph@colorado.edu.
