Buffaloes Secure Gritty 56-47 Win Over Wildcats in Big 12 Battle

The Colorado Buffaloes women’s basketball team overcame recent road struggles on Thursday night, delivering a poised fourth-quarter performance to defeat the Kansas State Wildcats 56-47 at Bramlage Coliseum. The victory marks a significant turning point for the program, snapping an eight-game conference road losing streak and securing their first away win of the season.

The Buffaloes (14-7, 5-4 Big 12) relied on a suffocating defense and a dominant effort on the boards to outlast the Wildcats. Colorado out-rebounded Kansas State 41-33, including 16 offensive rebounds that led to 15 critical second-chance points. The defensive unit held the Wildcats to just 32.7% shooting from the field throughout the contest.

Walker Leads the Charge in Homecoming Performance

Zyanna Walker, a former Kansas State player, proved to be the difference-maker in her return to Manhattan. Walker recorded her second career double-double, finishing with 13 points and a career-high 10 rebounds. Her defensive presence was equally felt as she tallied four steals.

With the game hanging in the balance and tied at 42-42 midway through the fourth quarter, Walker drilled a clutch three-pointer to ignite a 7-0 run. The Buffaloes’ coaching staff praised her resilience, noting the hard work she put in to return from a fall injury to perform at such a high level in front of friends and family.

Balanced Attack Secures the Fourth Quarter

While previous games this season saw Colorado falter in the closing minutes, the team remained composed on Thursday. After falling behind 41-38 early in the fourth quarter, the Buffaloes responded with a decisive 18-6 run over the final seven minutes of play.

The scoring effort was remarkably balanced, a hallmark of the team’s unselfish style of play. Alongside Walker, Jade Masogayo contributed 13 points and seven rebounds, finding her rhythm in the second half. Logyn Greer provided a spark off the bench with 11 points—seven of which came in the final frame—while Desiree Wooten added 11 points to the tally.

Key Statistical Breakdown

• Field Goal Percentage: Colorado’s execution improved in the final quarter, outshooting the Wildcats 42.9% to 33.3% in the period.
• Defensive Impact: The Buffaloes forced 17 turnovers and limited Kansas State to just 2-of-15 shooting from beyond the arc.
• Second Chance Opportunities: Colorado’s aggressiveness on the glass allowed them to maintain possessions and tire out the Wildcats’ interior defense.

The Buffaloes showed significant growth in their ability to execute under pressure, moving the ball effectively to find the best shot rather than relying on a single primary scorer. This collective effort allowed them to weather a late Kansas State rally and close out the game at the free-throw line.

Looking Ahead

With their road win drought officially over, the Buffaloes will look to build on this momentum as they continue their current road trip. The team is scheduled for a quick turnaround as they head to Lawrence to face the Kansas Jayhawks this Sunday.