Colorado Buffs Fall Short Against No. 22 Louisville, 74-68

BREAKING: In a nail-biting finish, the Colorado Buffaloes women’s basketball team suffered a heart-wrenching 74-68 defeat against the No. 22 Louisville Cardinals at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky, on November 12, 2025. This marks a crucial early-season challenge for the Buffs, who are now 1-1 this season.

The Buffs showcased grit and determination, leading for more than 25 minutes of the game. However, a dismal fourth quarter, where they shot just 2-for-15 and committed five turnovers, ultimately sealed their fate. Head coach JR Payne expressed a mix of pride and disappointment after the game, acknowledging the team’s struggles in the final moments.

“I’m really proud of a lot of things that we did tonight,” Payne stated. “Obviously disappointed with the outcome, but really tough environment, and a lot of young people contributed really well.”

The Buffs started strong, with Zyanna Walker—a former Louisville player—leading the charge, scoring a career-high 19 points off the bench, alongside seven rebounds and four assists. Despite her efforts, including a crucial layup that brought the score to 70-68 with just 17.1 seconds left, the Buffs could not close the gap.

In stark contrast, Louisville’s Skylar Jones dominated on the court, netting 21 points with five steals, proving to be a key player for the Cardinals. The game saw a flurry of action, particularly in the early quarters, where the Buffs led by as many as 11 points at one stage.

The turning point came in the fourth quarter, where Colorado’s inability to score for over five minutes allowed Louisville to seize control, executing an 8-1 run that proved decisive. The Buffs rallied momentarily, but their late-game execution faltered, leaving fans and players alike in disbelief.

Anaelle Dutat also shone for Colorado, recording her second consecutive double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds before fouling out in the closing seconds. Dutat’s performance, coupled with Walker’s, highlighted the potential this young team possesses.

Looking forward, the Buffs are set to host Portland State on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the CU Events Center, aiming to bounce back and build on the lessons from this hard-fought contest.

As the season progresses, the Colorado Buffaloes will need to refine their game strategy and harness their youthful energy to turn close games into victories. With valuable experience gained from facing a ranked opponent, the team is poised for growth. Fans are eager to see how the Buffs respond to this setback in their upcoming match.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Colorado Buffaloes continue their season!