CU Buffs Fall Short in Heartbreaking 74-68 Loss to No. 22 Louisville

URGENT UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, the Colorado Buffaloes women’s basketball team suffered a heart-wrenching 74-68 defeat against the No. 22 Louisville Cardinals on November 12, 2025, at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. This loss highlights critical areas for improvement as the Buffs look to rebound in their upcoming match.

The Buffaloes, now 1-1 for the season, dominated much of the game but faltered in the fourth quarter, shooting a dismal 2-for-15 from the floor and committing five turnovers. This cold streak allowed Louisville to take control and secure the win despite Colorado’s strong start.

“I’m really proud of a lot of things that we did tonight,” said CU head coach JR Payne. “Obviously disappointed with the outcome, but a lot of young players contributed really well in a tough environment.”

The Buffs initially led by as many as 11 points, but struggled to maintain momentum late in the game. Zyanna Walker, a standout off the bench, scored a career-high 19 points, adding seven rebounds and four assists, but her efforts were not enough to secure the win.

Louisville’s Skylar Jones, a transfer from Arizona, was a key player for the Cardinals, finishing with 21 points and five steals, while Anaelle Dutat notched her second consecutive double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Despite leading after each quarter, the Buffs found themselves in a scoring drought during the final moments of the game. “We went five minutes without scoring,” Payne noted. “Credit to them; they’re a real good defensive team.”

As the game progressed, Louisville capitalized on CU’s missteps, including an 8-1 run that extended their lead late in the fourth quarter. Colorado’s last push came when Walker cut the gap to 70-68 with a layup, but Louisville sealed their victory with free throws in the closing seconds.

Looking ahead, the Buffs are set to host Portland State on Sunday at the CU Events Center, with tip-off scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on ESPN+. Coach Payne remains optimistic, stating, “There are so many good things we can pull from this game, and we will lean into that growth for our next match.”

The emotional weight of this loss, especially for players like Walker who faced her former school, added a layer of intensity to the game. “I wanted to go back and beat my old coach,” Walker reflected. “But we showed good things out there, and so we are holding our heads up high.”

This game serves as a crucial learning experience for the Buffaloes as they continue to build their roster, with ten new players aiming to solidify their chemistry on the court. Fans are eager to see how this young team will respond in their upcoming matchup.

Stay tuned for further updates as the Colorado Buffaloes women’s basketball team prepares for their next challenge.