In a thrilling showdown at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the Colorado women's basketball team orchestrated a massive upset by defeating the defending national champions, No. 1 LSU, with an impressive final score of 92-78. The Buffaloes showcased their unwavering determination and exceptional teamwork, triumphing over the odds to secure a monumental victory.
Facing off against a powerhouse like LSU, who had already bolstered their roster with two of the nation's top transfers, Colorado exhibited resilience and composure from the very start of the game. Head coach JR Payne, exuding pride and satisfaction, remarked,
"For a game like this that a large part of the world said no to and a large part of the world said why would you play that game? It was everything that we wanted."
The Buffaloes embraced the challenge and relished the opportunity to thrust themselves into the national spotlight.
Leading the charge for Colorado were Frida Formann, Jaylyn Sherrod, and Aaronette Vonleh, all of whom played pivotal roles in the remarkable victory. Formann, in particular, delivered a dazzling performance by setting a school-record with seven three-pointers and accumulating a career-high 27 points. She complemented her scoring prowess with five rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Vonleh contributed 24 points on an efficient 11-of-15 shooting from the field, while Sherrod's exceptional all-around play included 19 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals.
The Buffaloes faced a closely contested first half, with their largest deficit being six points in the second quarter. However, Sherrod's return from a hard fall ignited a spark in the team, enabling them to seize the momentum and ultimately take the lead.
From that turning point, the Buffaloes never looked back. Their tenacious defense forced LSU into committing 19 turnovers, while Colorado's offense delivered an impressive shooting performance, with a 53.2% field goal percentage and a 43.5% success rate from three-point range. This formidable combination proved to be too much for LSU to handle.
The game's progression unfolded in stages, with notable moments making a significant impact on the outcome. One such turning point occurred with 2:15 left in the first half when Sara-Rose Smith drained a corner three-pointer, giving the Buffs a seven-point lead as they headed into halftime with a 38-32 advantage.
This momentous victory over LSU holds immense significance for Colorado. It not only improves their all-time record against LSU to 3-2 but also marks the first time since 1995-96 that the defending national champion and No. 1-ranked team has lost their season opener. This victory on foreign soil, away from Boulder, cements the Buffaloes' place in history, showcasing their prowess against the nation's top teams.
Coach Payne emphasized the incredible character of her team and their ability to shine on the national stage, while the players credited their resilience and unwavering belief in themselves as key factors in the victory.
"We have so many incredible young women in our program. They are just absolutely awesome. So for me to have them on a national stage where I know how great they are, I want the world to know how great they are. They're great teammates, they're great students, they compete, they're totally fearless. So for me, I want the world to know and we did that today."
In the opening minutes of the third quarter, the Buffaloes continued their disciplined approach, taking the game one possession at a time, resulting in a dominant lead. Even a mid-game switch to a zone defense didn't disrupt their rhythm, showcasing their adaptability and determination.
This monumental win over No. 1 LSU is not just a victory for the Colorado women's basketball team but a statement that they are a force to be reckoned with. Their balanced and determined play, led by standout performances from Formann, Sherrod, and Vonleh, serves as a testament to their capabilities. As they bask in the glory of this remarkable victory, Colorado's women's basketball team has firmly planted their flag in the national spotlight and sent a resounding message to the basketball world.
