Colorado Buffaloes women’s basketball team bench, celebrates during the Kansas game in the Big 12 Tournament on Thursday, March 5, 2026 (Remi Krupinski/CU Independent).
The Colorado Buffaloes beat the Kansas Jayhawks 55-48 on Thursday, to make it to the quarter final round of the Big 12 tournament and keep their March Madness hopes alive.
Despite foul trouble, Colorado (21-10, 11-7 Big 12) played a sound defensive game to withstand a late comeback from Kansas (19-13, 8-10 Big 12). Freshman forward Logyn Greer led the Buffs with 10 points, six rebounds and four blocks.
The game got off to a fast, physical start. Both teams came out hungry, as a loss for either one would likely pop their bubble hopes. But while the players seemed to play with a chip on their shoulders, the officials weren’t having it. Colorado guard Zyanna Walker got whistled for two fouls in the first three minutes. By the end of the game, four Buffs had three or more fouls.
Colorado Buffaloes freshman forward, Logyn Greer, shoots a 3-pointer against Kansas in the Big 12 Tournament on Thursday, March 5, 2026 (Remi Krupinski/CU Independent).
Despite the stop-and-go nature of the contest, Colorado was able to get out to a fast start. Guard Maeve McErlane, who has shot 16% from the beyond the arc this season, hit a three from deep. Several role players made big plays like this to give CU a boost when starters had to sit due to fouls.
“I thought it was a very physical game, and I thought our execution was really good,” Colorado head coach JR Payne said. “Different people [were] in foul trouble throughout the entire game, but players stepped up and played heavier minutes in some sports than they’re used to. Really proud of our squad tonight.”
Kansas came out in a zone during the second quarter, and the Buffs took full advantage. They played with fluid movement to work the ball inside. Senior forward Anaëlle Dutat, one of Colorado’s most active players off the ball, was able to infiltrate Kansas’ zone with ease. She scored two quick buckets down low, followed by a Tabitha Betson three to cap off a 7-0 run to give Colorado some separation.
Colorado Buffaloes sophomore forward, Tabitha Betson, playing against Kansas on Thursday, March 5, 2026 (Remi Krupinski/CU Independent).
A big component of Colorado’s success was holding Kansas’ leading scorer Jaliya Davis to just 2-9 from the floor. Davis averages around 21 points per game, and was a problem for the Buffs in their last matchup. This time, however, senior Jade Masogayo, along with Greer, harassed her inside, holding her scoreless from the floor until the last few minutes of play.
Greer was an all-around force for the Buffs. Along with a big presence in the paint, she was 2-2 from beyond the arc. She hit a big 3-pointer in the third quarter to give CU a 10-point lead and force a Kansas timeout.
The fourth quarter was a battle at the end. After holding a comfortable lead, thanks to big scores by Dutat and junior guard Desiree Wooten, Colorado fended off a late comeback by the Jayhawks to ultimately win it by just a few possessions.
Colorado Buffaloes redshirt junior guard, Desiree Wooten, celebrates after hitting a 3-pointer against Kansas on Thursday, March 5, 2026 (Remi Krupinski/CU Independent).
The Buffs will play Baylor (24-7, 13-5 Big 12) in the quarter finals on Friday, March 6 at 7 p.m. MT. With the win against Kansas, Colorado made a strong case to make the cut for the NCAA tournament, but another win could solidify them as a last-four bye team. Baylor will be a test for the Buffs, but March is where the magic happens.
Contact CU Independent Sports Editor Lila Nuttle at lila.nuttle@colorado.edu.
