Colorado Women’s Hoops Riding High Heading Into Tucson Showdown with Arizona
The Colorado Buffaloes are back on the road, and they’re bringing some serious momentum with them. After a dominant 76-46 win over BYU, the Buffs (18-8, 9-5 Big 12) head to Tucson for a Saturday night clash against Arizona (11-14, 2-12 Big 12) at the McKale Center.
Tip-off is set for 6:02 p.m. MT, and you can catch the action on ESPN+ or tune in via the Colorado Radio Network.
This will be the second meeting between the two squads this season, and if the first was any indication, Colorado has the upper hand. The Buffs rolled past the Wildcats 75-56 in Boulder on New Year’s Eve, and they’ve now won four straight in the series - seven of the last ten overall.
Dutat Dominates Again
Senior forward Anaëlle Dutat is peaking at just the right time. Against BYU, she delivered a career-high 19 points, added 10 boards, and threw in three assists and three steals for good measure.
That marked her sixth double-double of the season - and second in as many games - as she continues to be a force on both ends of the floor. Dutat leads the Big 12 in offensive rebounds per game (3.8) and total offensive boards (98), while ranking third in total rebounds (8.3 per game).
She’s also tied for 13th in steals (1.8 per game), showing just how well-rounded her impact has been.
Balanced Attack Fuels Buffs’ Success
What makes this Colorado team dangerous isn’t just one standout - it’s the depth. Four players scored in double figures against BYU, marking the 14th time this season the Buffs have hit that benchmark.
They’re 11-3 in those games, and it’s no coincidence. When the offense is humming across the board, this team becomes a tough out.
Jr. guard Desiree Wooten chipped in 16 points against BYU, along with seven assists, six rebounds, and three steals - a stat line that speaks to her versatility. She’s currently 21st in the Big 12 in scoring (12.6 PPG) and tied for 21st in steals (1.6 per game).
Sr. forward Jade Masogayo added 15 points and eight rebounds in that same game. She’s averaging 12.5 points per game (22nd in the Big 12), shooting 77.1% from the free-throw line (tied for 15th), and contributing 0.8 blocks per game (tied for 19th). Masogayo also reached a pair of career milestones against BYU - 200 career assists and 600 career rebounds.
So. forward Tabitha Betson rounded out the quartet with 11 points, giving CU another reliable scoring option in the frontcourt.
Defense, Rebounding, and Hustle
Colorado’s identity this season has been built around toughness - especially on the glass and on defense. The Buffs are third in the Big 12 in offensive rebounds (13.5 per game), rebounding margin (+6.7), and steals (10.35 per game). That rebounding edge has helped them control tempo and create second-chance opportunities, while the steals reflect a team that’s active and disruptive on defense.
Jr. guard Zyanna Walker is a big part of that defensive engine. She ranks third in the Big 12 in steals (2.3 per game) and continues to be a pest on the perimeter. Her numbers against BYU weren’t flashy - just one point, three rebounds, two assists, one steal, and a block - but her presence still impacts the game in ways that don’t always show up on the scoreboard.
Coach Payne’s Steady Hand
Now in her 10th season at the helm, head coach JR Payne has built a program that’s tough, disciplined, and trending upward. Under her leadership, the Buffs have made three NCAA Tournament appearances and are well-positioned for another postseason run. Payne has already secured a contract extension through 2028, and with a 182-124 record, she continues to guide the Buffs with consistency and vision.
Picked to finish ninth in the Big 12 this season, Colorado has outperformed expectations behind a core of returners and a wave of new talent. The roster features 10 newcomers - five transfers and five freshmen - who’ve blended in seamlessly with the returners like Masogayo, Sanders, Nworie, and Betson.
Milestone Watch
Several Buffs are closing in on personal milestones:
- Anaëlle Dutat: Five rebounds away from 900 career boards.
- Desiree Wooten: Just 11 points shy of 900 career points.
- Zyanna Walker: 14 rebounds away from hitting 400.
- Maeve McErlane: Needs five rebounds for 100 and 12 points for 200.
- Tabitha Betson: 31 rebounds away from 200.
- Jade Crook: 12 points away from her first 100.
These numbers aren’t just individual accolades - they reflect the kind of consistent production that’s helped Colorado stay competitive in a deep Big 12 field.
What’s Next
With just a few games left in the regular season, every matchup matters - and this one is no different. Arizona may be struggling in conference play, but road games in the Big 12 are never easy. The Buffs will need to bring the same energy and execution they showed against BYU if they want to keep their win streak alive and continue climbing the standings.
Catch the game live on ESPN+ or follow along via the Colorado Radio Network and Sirius XM. Pregame coverage starts a half-hour before tip, including interviews with Coach Payne and players. Live stats and more are available at CUBuffs.com.
One thing’s clear: this Colorado team is finding its rhythm at the right time. And if the Buffs keep playing like they did against BYU, they’ll be a team no one wants to face come March.