The Colorado women’s basketball team will host No. 19 Iowa State at the CU Events Center in Boulder on January 14, with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m. MT. The game marks the 69th meeting between the two programs, with Colorado holding a slight edge in the all-time series at 37-31.
This matchup is significant as it is Colorado’s first home game against Iowa State since 2011, when the Buffaloes won in overtime. Their most recent contest was last season in Ames, where Colorado lost 86-56.
Colorado enters the game with an overall record of 11-6 and a conference record of 2-3 in Big 12 play. The team is led by head coach JR Payne, who is now in her tenth year and has guided Colorado to three NCAA tournament appearances, among other postseason events. Coach Payne’s contract has been extended through the 2028 season.
The Buffs recently faced tough road losses against then-No.16 Baylor and Oklahoma State but remained competitive until late in both games. Against Baylor, they were within two points in the final seconds before falling short, while foul trouble contributed to their defeat at Oklahoma State.
Colorado’s roster features four returning players from last season: sophomore forward Tabitha Betson, senior forward Jade Masogayo, sophomore guard Kennedy Sanders, and fifth-year center JoJo Nworie. Betson rejoined after spending a semester at home.
Ten newcomers joined for the current season—five transfers and five freshmen—including junior guard Zyanna Walker (Kansas State), junior guard Desiree Wooten (North Texas), junior guard Claire O’Connor (Gonzaga), junior guard Maeve McErlane (DePaul), and senior forward Anaëlle Dutat (Rhode Island). Freshman additions include Erianna Gooden, Jade Crook, Isa Hämäläinen, Logyn Greer, and Sophie Zadel.
Several players have stood out statistically this season:
– Zyanna Walker ranks tied for sixth in conference steals per game (2.2) and scored double figures nine times.
– Anaëlle Dutat is third in rebounds per game (8.8) within the Big 12 and leads offensive rebounds; she recorded her fourth double-double of the season against Oklahoma State.
– Jade Masogayo and freshman Logyn Greer are tied for eighteenth in blocks per game; both had twelve points versus Oklahoma State.
– Desiree Wooten ranks twenty-third for steals per game and contributed six points with four steals at Oklahoma State.
As a team, Colorado is third in steals per game within the conference and holds top rankings for offensive rebounding margin and free throw percentage.
Fans can watch Wednesday’s game on ESPN+ or listen via AM 630 KHOW or online platforms including Sirius XM Channel 84. Live statistics will be available during the contest.
Coach Payne said she looks forward to seeing how her team responds as they return home after two close losses on the road.
For more information about schedules or results visit CUBuffs.com or follow @CUBuffsWBB on social media.
