Buffs Look to Build Momentum as They Visit Kansas in Big 12 Clash
The Colorado women’s basketball team is back on the road this weekend, heading into one of college basketball’s most iconic venues-Allen Fieldhouse-for a Big 12 showdown against Kansas. Tip-off is set for 1:02 p.m. MT on Saturday, and this one has all the makings of a gritty conference battle.
Colorado enters at 14-7 overall and 5-4 in Big 12 play, riding high after securing their first road win of the season earlier this week. Kansas, sitting at 13-9 and 3-7 in the conference, will be looking to protect home court and snap a one-game skid against the Buffs, who won the last meeting between these two programs, 84-76, back in January 2025.
This marks the 71st meeting between the longtime conference foes, with Kansas holding a narrow 36-34 edge in the all-time series. But recent history has favored the Jayhawks, who have taken eight of the last ten matchups. That said, Colorado’s win last season could be a sign of shifting tides, especially with the way the Buffs are starting to click.
Road Win Sparks Confidence
Colorado’s 56-47 win at Kansas State on Jan. 29 wasn’t just a notch in the win column-it was a statement. The Buffs came out with defensive intensity, holding the Wildcats scoreless for the first three minutes and setting the tone early. While Kansas State made a push before halftime, Colorado never relinquished control, closing strong in the fourth quarter to lock up the victory.
It was a team effort in every sense. Four Buffs scored in double figures-Zyanna Walker and Jade Masogayo led with 13 apiece, while freshman forward Logyn Greer and junior guard Desiree Wooten each added 11.
That kind of balanced scoring has been a recipe for success this season. Colorado is 8-3 in games where four or more players hit double digits.
Walker Shines Against Former Team
Junior guard Zyanna Walker had a little extra motivation against Kansas State-her former team-and it showed. She notched her first double-double of the season (second of her career), finishing with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Walker’s defensive presence has been consistent all year; she’s currently tied for third in the Big 12 in steals per game (2.3), and she’s also contributing across the board with 2.8 assists per game and a 71.6% mark from the free throw line.
Dutat Dominating the Glass
Senior forward Anaëlle Dutat continues to be a force on the boards. She ranks second in the Big 12 in rebounds per game (8.6) and leads the conference in offensive boards, pulling down 3.8 per contest. Against Kansas State, she grabbed eight rebounds-five of them on the offensive end-adding an assist and helping the Buffs control the paint.
Dutat’s nose for the ball and physicality inside have given Colorado second-chance opportunities all season, and that could be a key factor against a Kansas team that’s been up and down in the rebounding department.
Masogayo and Greer Provide Frontcourt Firepower
Senior forward Jade Masogayo continues to be a steady presence on both ends. She’s shooting 75.8% from the free throw line, ranks among the Big 12’s top 20 in blocks per game (0.8), and is coming off a strong showing at K-State with 13 points, seven boards, two assists, a steal, and a block.
Freshman forward Logyn Greer is growing into her role quickly. She’s also tied for 17th in the conference in blocks per game and contributed 11 points, six rebounds, and three assists in the win over the Wildcats. Greer recently hit the 200-point milestone for her young career-a sign of just how impactful she’s been early on.
Wooten Adds Scoring Punch
Junior guard Desiree Wooten rounds out Colorado’s multi-pronged attack. She added 11 points at Kansas State, and her ability to create off the dribble and knock down shots gives the Buffs another dimension offensively. Wooten is also closing in on a personal milestone, just eight assists shy of 200 for her career.
Numbers That Matter
As a team, Colorado is making its mark in several key areas:
- Rebounding margin: 3rd in the Big 12 (+6.8)
- Steals per game: 4th (10.48)
- Offensive rebounds per game: 4th (13.8)
- Scoring defense: 6th (60.0 points allowed per game)
- Total rebounds per game: 7th (38.9)
- Turnover margin: 7th (+2.33)
These aren’t just stats-they’re indicators of a team that plays hard, defends well, and crashes the glass. That’s the kind of identity that travels, and it’s why the Buffs are starting to look like a team that could do some damage in the second half of Big 12 play.
Veteran Leadership, New Faces
Head coach JR Payne is in her 10th season at the helm, and she’s built a program that blends experience with fresh talent. The Buffs brought back four key returners from last season-Masogayo, Kennedy Sanders, JoJo Nworie, and Tabitha Betson-and added 10 newcomers, including five transfers and five freshmen.
Transfers like Walker, Wooten, Claire O’Connor, Maeve McErlane, and Dutat have all made immediate contributions, while freshmen like Greer and center Jade Crook are quickly finding their footing. Crook, by the way, is just 23 points shy of 100 for her freshman campaign.
Milestones on the Horizon
Several Buffs are approaching career milestones heading into Saturday’s game:
- Anaëlle Dutat: 678 career points (22 away from 700)
- Jade Masogayo: 97 steals (3 away from 100); 193 assists (7 away from 200)
- Maeve McErlane: 91 rebounds (9 away from 100); 188 points (12 away from 200)
- Desiree Wooten: 192 assists (8 away from 200)
These aren’t just numbers-they’re benchmarks of consistency and growth, and they reflect the depth and experience Colorado brings to the floor each night.
What’s Next
The Buffs will look to build on their momentum and pick up another road win in Big 12 play. Kansas may be under .500 in the conference, but Allen Fieldhouse is never an easy place to play. Expect a physical, high-energy game where rebounding, defense, and depth could make all the difference.
Tip-off is set for 1:02 p.m. MT, and fans can catch the action on ESPN+ or tune in via the Colorado Radio Network on AM 630 KHOW. Whether you’re watching, listening, or tracking live stats, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Colorado’s path through the Big 12 is far from over-but if the Buffs can keep stacking wins, especially on the road, they’ll be right in the thick of the postseason conversation.