Buffs Head to Manhattan for Key Big 12 Clash with Kansas State
The Colorado women’s basketball team is hitting the road again, this time heading to Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kansas, for a Big 12 showdown against Kansas State. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. MT on Monday, Jan. 29, as the Buffs (13-7, 4-4 Big 12) look to build on the momentum from a strong home win over Oklahoma State.
This will be the 71st meeting between Colorado and Kansas State, with the all-time series deadlocked at 35-35. The Buffs have taken the last two matchups, including a 63-53 win in Boulder last season when the Wildcats came in ranked No. 10.
Redemption Win Fuels Road Trip
Colorado is coming off a statement performance against Oklahoma State, a team that handed them a loss just two weeks earlier. This time, the Buffs flipped the script, dominating the Cowgirls 79-65 behind a complete team effort.
Senior forward Jade Masogayo led the way, matching her career-high with 22 points. She added five rebounds, a steal, an assist, and a block - a well-rounded performance that’s becoming a hallmark of her senior campaign.
The Buffs were aggressive in the paint, scoring 42 points inside, pushing the pace for 18 fast-break points, and getting 29 points off the bench. It was a classic bounce-back win - physical, focused, and full of energy.
JR Payne’s Squad Finding Its Groove
Now in her 10th season at the helm, head coach JR Payne has built a program that plays hard, plays smart, and doesn’t back down. With three NCAA Tournament appearances under her belt and a contract extension through 2028, Payne has the Buffs trending in the right direction.
This season marks Colorado’s second year back in the Big 12, and while the preseason poll had them pegged ninth, they’ve shown they’re more than capable of climbing the standings. At 4-4 in conference play, this matchup with Kansas State is a pivotal one - not just for bragging rights in a tied series, but for positioning in a tightly packed Big 12 race.
Key Contributors Stepping Up
Colorado’s roster is a mix of experienced returners and high-impact newcomers - and the chemistry is starting to click.
- Jade Masogayo continues to be a force in the frontcourt. She’s averaging 0.7 blocks per game (24th in the Big 12) and has hit double figures in 12 games this season. She’s also closing in on career milestones with 96 steals and 191 assists.
- Desiree Wooten, a junior transfer from North Texas, has quickly become a consistent scoring threat. She’s averaging 12.0 points per game (25th in the Big 12) and has scored in double digits 14 times this season. She also just hit the 800-point mark for her career.
- Zyanna Walker, who transferred in from Kansas State, brings intensity on both ends. She ranks sixth in the conference in steals (2.2 per game), and is also top 20 in both assists (2.9 per game) and free throw percentage (73.5%). She had 13 points against OSU and has reached double figures 12 times this season.
- Anaëlle Dutat is doing work on the glass. She leads the Big 12 in offensive rebounds (75), is second in total rebounds (173), and second in rebounds per game (8.7).
She’s also a disruptive defender, ranking 11th in steals per game (2.0). Against Oklahoma State, she stuffed the stat sheet with eight points, seven boards, four assists, and two steals.
- Logyn Greer, one of five freshmen on the roster, is making her presence felt early. She ranks 22nd in the Big 12 in blocks (0.8 per game) and just reached 100 rebounds for the season. She nearly posted a double-double against OSU with nine points and nine rebounds, adding four assists for good measure.
A Team Built on Depth and Defense
What makes this Colorado team dangerous is its depth and defensive identity. The Buffs are fourth in the Big 12 in both steals per game (10.65) and offensive rebounds per game (13.7). They’re also sixth in scoring defense, giving up just 60.6 points per contest.
Colorado has had 13 games this season with 10 or more steals - a testament to their active hands and commitment to team defense. Offensively, they’re sharing the ball well too, averaging 14.7 assists per game and hitting the 20-assist mark twice.
When four or more Buffs score in double figures, they’re 7-3 - a stat that speaks to their balance and unselfish play. Against UCF earlier this month, four players hit that mark: Walker (13), Masogayo (12), Betson (13), and Wooten (15).
Eyes on Milestones
Several Buffs are closing in on personal milestones:
- Jade Masogayo is just four steals away from 100 and nine assists from 200.
- Anaëlle Dutat needs 22 points to reach 700 for her career.
- Logyn Greer is six points away from 200.
- Jade Crook, a freshman center, is 23 points shy of 100.
- Maeve McErlane is nearing 200 points (needs 12) and 100 rebounds (needs nine).
- Desiree Wooten is nine assists away from 200.
These milestones are more than just numbers - they reflect the steady contributions and growth of a group that’s learning how to win together.
What’s Next
With both teams sitting at 4-4 in conference play, Monday’s matchup is a chance for one to gain separation in the standings. For Colorado, it’s also a test of how well their road toughness holds up in a hostile environment.
Bramlage Coliseum is never an easy place to play, but the Buffs are coming in with confidence, momentum, and a deep rotation that’s starting to hit its stride.
Catch the game on ESPN+ or tune in on the Colorado Radio Network (AM 630 KHOW). Pregame coverage begins 30 minutes before tip, including interviews with Coach Payne and player features during halftime.
This is the kind of midseason matchup that can shape a team’s trajectory. With a tied all-time series and identical conference records, something’s got to give. And if the Buffs bring the same energy they showed against Oklahoma State, they just might tip the balance in their favor.