Buffs Look to Build Momentum on the Road Against UCF
The Colorado women’s basketball team is back on the road this weekend, heading to Orlando for a Big 12 clash with UCF. Tip-off is set for 12:02 p.m.
MT on Sunday, Jan. 18, as the Buffs (12-6, 3-3 Big 12) look to keep the momentum rolling after a statement win over No. 19 Iowa State.
They'll face a UCF squad (9-8, 1-5 Big 12) still searching for consistency in conference play.
This matchup marks just the third meeting between the two programs-and the first time Colorado will face the Knights on their home court. So far, the Buffs have handled business in this series, winning both previous contests, including a convincing 81-62 victory last January in Boulder.
Riding High After a Signature Win
Colorado is coming off one of its most impressive performances of the season. In a gritty battle against nationally ranked Iowa State, the Buffs showed resilience and late-game poise.
Junior guard Desiree Wooten was electric, dropping a season-high 24 points to lead the way. Her clutch scoring, especially down the stretch, helped the Buffs outlast the Cyclones, 68-62.
Wooten wasn’t alone. Sophomore forward Tabitha Betson delivered a pair of crucial threes in the fourth quarter that helped tilt the game in Colorado’s favor.
Senior forward Anaëlle Dutat continued her dominance on the glass, pulling down 12 rebounds to go with nine points. The Buffs erased a halftime deficit and outpaced Iowa State in the final frame, showing the kind of toughness that travels well-something they’ll need in Orlando.
Who’s Leading the Charge?
Head coach JR Payne is in her 10th season at the helm and has guided Colorado to a 176-122 record. Under her leadership, the Buffs have reached the NCAA Tournament three times and are looking to make another push in a competitive Big 12 field. With her contract extended through 2028, Payne has built a program known for its grit, defensive pressure, and balanced scoring.
This year’s team is a blend of experience and fresh energy. The Buffs returned four key players from last season, including Betson, senior forward Jade Masogayo, sophomore guard Kennedy Sanders, and fifth-year center JoJo Nworie. Betson rejoined the team after taking a semester off to spend time with her family and recharge-a move that’s already paying dividends.
Colorado also welcomed 10 newcomers this season-five transfers and five freshmen-who have quickly made their presence felt. Among the transfers, Wooten (North Texas) has emerged as a go-to scorer, while fellow junior guards Zyanna Walker (Kansas State), Claire O’Connor (Gonzaga), and Maeve McErlane (DePaul) have provided depth and versatility. Senior forward Anaëlle Dutat (Rhode Island) has been a force in the paint.
The freshman class is headlined by guard Erianna Gooden, center Jade Crook, guard Isa Hämäläinen, forward Logyn Greer, and forward Sophie Zadel. Greer, in particular, has carved out a key role in the rotation with her rebounding and shot-blocking ability.
Stat Leaders and Standouts
- Desiree Wooten has now scored in double figures in 12 games this season. Her 24-point outburst against Iowa State was her most dynamic performance yet, and she continues to be a steady presence in the backcourt with 186 career assists-just 14 shy of 200.
- Anaëlle Dutat is doing work on the boards. She ranks third in the Big 12 in rebounds per game (8.9), second in total rebounds (161), and leads the league in offensive rebounds (69). Her effort on the glass sets the tone for Colorado’s physical style of play.
- Zyanna Walker is a defensive spark plug, averaging 2.2 steals per game (eighth in the Big 12). She also chipped in 10 points, seven boards, and four assists in the win over Iowa State.
- Jade Masogayo continues to be a reliable scorer. She poured in 15 points in that Iowa State win, marking her 10th game this season in double figures.
- Logyn Greer, the freshman forward, has been quietly effective. She’s tied for 19th in the Big 12 in blocks per game (0.8) and is closing in on some early career milestones with 95 rebounds and 176 points on the year.
Team Trends and Identity
This Colorado team thrives on defense and hustle. They rank third in the Big 12 in steals per game (10.8), fourth in offensive rebounds (14.1), and fifth in rebounding margin (+7.7). That rebounding edge has been a major factor in their ability to control tempo and create second-chance opportunities.
Offensively, the Buffs are averaging 14.3 assists per game and have reached the 20-assist mark twice this season. Sharing the ball has been a point of emphasis, and it’s showing in the team’s overall cohesion.
They’ve also recorded 12 games with double-digit steals, a testament to their active hands and commitment on the defensive end.
Milestone Watch
A few Buffs are closing in on personal milestones:
- Tabitha Betson is just eight points away from 200 this season.
- Jade Crook needs 23 points to hit the 100-point mark.
- Logyn Greer is five rebounds away from 100 and 24 points from 200.
- Jade Masogayo is nearing 100 career steals (currently at 94) and 200 assists (185).
- Maeve McErlane is 11 rebounds and 19 points away from hitting the century mark in both categories.
- Desiree Wooten is just 28 points shy of 800 for her career.
Looking Ahead
This road trip to UCF is more than just a chance to pick up another conference win-it’s an opportunity for the Buffs to show they can carry their home-court energy into hostile territory. With a balanced attack, a deep rotation, and a defense that doesn’t take plays off, Colorado has the tools to keep climbing the Big 12 standings.
Tip-off is set for 12:02 p.m. MT and will stream live on ESPN+.
Radio coverage is available on AM 630 KHOW and online via the SiriusXM app. Whether you're tuning in from Boulder or beyond, this is a game you won’t want to miss.