Colorado Falls Short to No. 22 Louisville in Heartbreaking 74-68 Loss

BREAKING: The Colorado Buffaloes women’s basketball team faced a tough battle, falling 74-68 to the No. 22 Louisville Cardinals at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky, on November 12, 2025. This hard-fought game ended in disappointment for the Buffs, who struggled offensively in the fourth quarter, shooting just 2-for-15 from the floor.

Despite the loss, the Buffaloes showcased resilience and gained valuable experience. Coach JR Payne expressed pride in his team, stating, “I’m really proud of a lot of things that we did tonight… a lot of young people contributed really well.” The Buffs led for over 25 minutes of the game, but turnovers and cold shooting ultimately cost them the victory.

In a standout performance, Zyanna Walker, a former Louisville player, came off the bench to score a career-high 19 points, along with seven rebounds and four assists. Her emotional journey was palpable, as she reflected on wanting to perform well against her former coach. “Of course, I wanted to go back and beat my old coach. But, we showed good things out there, and so we are holding our heads up high,” Walker shared.

The Buffs struggled down the stretch, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they managed just 10 points. After leading 58-55 at the end of the third quarter, Colorado couldn’t maintain momentum. Coach Payne noted, “We went five minutes without scoring… credit to them, they’re a real good defensive team.”

Despite the defeat, Anaelle Dutat achieved her second consecutive double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, highlighting the team’s potential. The Buffs dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Cardinals 46-34, but their 18 turnovers proved costly.

Looking ahead, the Buffs will seek redemption when they host Portland State on Sunday, November 15, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the CU Events Center. As the season progresses, Coach Payne believes in the growth opportunities for his team, stating, “These are huge growth opportunities, and we’re going to lean into that growth and be even better next time out.”

This game serves as a reminder of the challenges young teams face, but also the promise they hold as they build chemistry and experience. Fans remain hopeful as the Buffaloes look to bounce back and secure a victory in their upcoming match.