Colorado Women’s Basketball Faces Must-Win Match Against OSU

URGENT UPDATE: The Colorado women’s basketball team is gearing up for a critical matchup against the Oklahoma State Cowgirls on January 21, 2026, at 1 PM MT in Boulder, Colorado. Following a series of heartbreaking losses, the Buffs are determined to turn their fortunes around and address their late-game struggles.

After leading by four points with under six minutes left in their last encounter against OSU, the Buffs fell apart, allowing a rapid 10-0 run that led to a 63-56 defeat. Head Coach JR Payne is now focused on identifying the reasons behind her team’s inability to close out games effectively.

“We’re trying to figure out the why, and it’s crucial to tackle it instead of hoping for a different outcome next time,” Payne stated. The Buffs have suffered from critical lapses in the final minutes of games, often leading to devastating losses. Improvements are essential if they hope to avoid making this another game that slips away.

In their last few matchups, Colorado has struggled to maintain their lead. Against Baylor, a late-game surge allowed them to lose a 56-52 game. Similarly, Central Florida capitalized on a 20-2 run to snatch a 74-68 victory, despite CU leading by six points with just over seven minutes left.

Payne emphasizes the importance of executing plays and managing fatigue as the fourth quarter approaches. “We can’t have three empty possessions in a row,” she said. “We need to script possessions that will yield success.” Managing player minutes has also become a priority as the team looks to maximize performance in critical game moments.

As they prepare for OSU, the Buffs are hopeful that a focused week of practice will pay off. “We’ve had good practices and are being smart about our game strategy,” Payne added. “It’s crucial we avoid another disappointing finish.”

During the upcoming game, Colorado will honor former head coach Ceal Barry, the program’s winningest coach, with the dedication of “Ceal Barry Plaza.” This moment adds emotional significance to an already pivotal game for the Buffs.

The matchup is vital for both teams as they aim to improve their standings in the Big 12 conference. Colorado currently holds a record of 12-7 and 3-4 in the Big 12, while Oklahoma State stands at 16-4 and 5-2 in conference play. Both teams are looking to capitalize on their week off and bring their best to the court.

With a history of tight competition, the Buffs and Cowgirls are tied 28-28 in their all-time series, with Colorado holding a slight edge at home, 13-10. This adds an extra layer of intensity to the upcoming game.

Colorado’s Anaelle Dutat has been a standout performer, averaging 9.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, while Logyn Greer and Jade Masogayo are also key contributors as the team looks to find its rhythm. On the opposing side, Oklahoma State’s Stailee Heard has been a game-changer, averaging 20.7 points in her last four outings.

As the clock counts down to tip-off, the Colorado Buffaloes are gearing up for a must-win situation. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Buffs can finally break their late-game curse against a strong Oklahoma State team.