The Colorado Buffaloes’ women’s basketball team saw its season come to an end on Sunday, falling 64-55 to the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the second round of the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT). Despite a strong effort, the Buffs struggled offensively without star guard Frida Formann, who remained sidelined with an injury.
Colorado, a No. 1 seed in the tournament, entered the game hoping to extend their postseason run after a dominant first-round win over Southeastern Louisiana. The Buffs started hot with a 10-2 run, but offensive inconsistency and Gonzaga’s defensive pressure turned the tide. Colorado shot just 39.1% from the field and 27.8% from beyond the arc, failing to find a rhythm against the disciplined Bulldogs.
“We got some good looks that didn’t fall like they normally do,” head coach JR Payne said. “Gonzaga is long and contests shots well. Things were pretty tough inside too.”
Lior Garzon led the Buffs with 15 points, while Jade Masogayo added 11. Unfortunately, no other player scored more than six, making it difficult for Colorado to keep pace. The Buffs were outscored 25-17 in the third quarter, a crucial stretch that sealed their fate.
The loss also marked the final college game for several Buffs, including Kindyll Wetta, Sara-Rose Smith, and Formann. Wetta, a Colorado native, reflected on her career, saying, “I’m gonna miss my teammates more than anything. The relationships we’ve built are lifelong.”
Colorado finishes Payne’s ninth season with a 21-13 record, marking their fifth consecutive postseason appearance. Meanwhile, Gonzaga moves on to face Minnesota in the WBIT quarterfinals.