CU Buffs Women’s Basketball: A Night of Celebration and Dominance
March 1, 2025, 11:41 pm
In the heart of Boulder, Colorado, the CU Buffs women’s basketball team delivered a performance that resonated like a triumphant anthem. On February 26, 2025, the Buffs faced off against Arizona State in a game that was more than just a contest; it was a celebration of resilience, camaraderie, and the bittersweet nature of senior night. The scoreboard flashed 89-54, but the real story lay in the emotions that unfolded on the court.
Senior night is a rite of passage, a moment when athletes reflect on their journeys. For Lior Garzon, this night was particularly poignant. With her parents traveling from Israel, the stakes felt higher. The weight of expectation was palpable. Garzon rose to the occasion, scoring 17 points and grabbing eight rebounds. She was a lion on the court, fierce and determined. The crowd erupted as she sank three 3-pointers, each shot echoing the pride of her heritage. The public address announcer even called out the scores in Hebrew, a nod to Garzon’s roots that brought a smile to her face.
Garzon’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Transferring from Villanova and Oklahoma State, she found a home in Boulder. The past two years had been challenging, but the warmth of the community enveloped her like a comforting blanket. She expressed gratitude for the support, a reminder that in sports, it’s not just about the game; it’s about the connections formed along the way.
Alongside Garzon, Kindyll Wetta also shone brightly. A senior who has spent her entire collegiate career at CU, Wetta was a beacon of leadership. She scored 12 points and dished out six assists, setting the tone early in the game. Her emotional connection to the program was evident as she reflected on her time at CU. For Wetta, playing in front of family and friends was a dream come true. The bond with her teammates was palpable, a tapestry woven with shared experiences and mutual respect.
The game itself was a masterclass in basketball. The Buffs dominated in every facet. They shot 52.2% from the field, out-rebounded the Sun Devils 44-27, and committed a season-low eight turnovers. It was a performance that showcased their potential, a glimpse of what they could achieve when everything clicked. The team’s chemistry was evident, each player contributing to the collective effort. Ayianna Johnson, a sophomore, added 10 points and seven rebounds, proving that the future is bright for the Buffs.
As the game progressed, the atmosphere in the CU Events Center shifted. The crowd was electric, feeding off the energy of the players. With every basket, the cheers grew louder. The Buffs built a commanding lead, and by the fourth quarter, they were ahead by as much as 45 points. It was a statement win, a reminder that they are a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12.
But amidst the celebration, there was a poignant moment. Senior guards Frida Formann and Sara-Rose Smith, both sidelined by injuries, checked into the game for a brief four seconds. The crowd rose to their feet, a standing ovation that echoed through the arena. It was a moment of solidarity, a reminder that every player, regardless of their on-court contributions, is vital to the team’s spirit. Coach JR Payne acknowledged their sacrifices, emphasizing the emotional toll of being a student-athlete. It was a classy move, honoring not just the seniors on the court but also those who had fought through adversity.
The Buffs’ victory was not just a number on the scoreboard; it was a testament to their resilience. They had faced challenges throughout the season, but on this night, they found their rhythm. The win secured their position in the Big 12 standings, tying them with Arizona for eighth place. With the conference tournament looming, the Buffs are poised to make a run.
As the final buzzer sounded, the players embraced, a tight-knit group celebrating a hard-fought victory. Coach Payne’s words resonated: “Senior days are always great because you have an opportunity to honor your seniors.” But this night was more than just about honoring the past; it was about looking forward. The Buffs are a team on the rise, and their performance against Arizona State was a clear signal that they are ready to compete.
In the world of sports, moments like these are rare. They remind us of the power of teamwork, the strength of community, and the beauty of competition. The CU Buffs women’s basketball team showcased all of this and more on that memorable night. As they prepare for their next challenge against Texas Tech, one thing is clear: the Buffs are not just playing for themselves; they are playing for each other, for their fans, and for the legacy they are building together. The journey continues, and the best is yet to come.
Senior night is a rite of passage, a moment when athletes reflect on their journeys. For Lior Garzon, this night was particularly poignant. With her parents traveling from Israel, the stakes felt higher. The weight of expectation was palpable. Garzon rose to the occasion, scoring 17 points and grabbing eight rebounds. She was a lion on the court, fierce and determined. The crowd erupted as she sank three 3-pointers, each shot echoing the pride of her heritage. The public address announcer even called out the scores in Hebrew, a nod to Garzon’s roots that brought a smile to her face.
Garzon’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Transferring from Villanova and Oklahoma State, she found a home in Boulder. The past two years had been challenging, but the warmth of the community enveloped her like a comforting blanket. She expressed gratitude for the support, a reminder that in sports, it’s not just about the game; it’s about the connections formed along the way.
Alongside Garzon, Kindyll Wetta also shone brightly. A senior who has spent her entire collegiate career at CU, Wetta was a beacon of leadership. She scored 12 points and dished out six assists, setting the tone early in the game. Her emotional connection to the program was evident as she reflected on her time at CU. For Wetta, playing in front of family and friends was a dream come true. The bond with her teammates was palpable, a tapestry woven with shared experiences and mutual respect.
The game itself was a masterclass in basketball. The Buffs dominated in every facet. They shot 52.2% from the field, out-rebounded the Sun Devils 44-27, and committed a season-low eight turnovers. It was a performance that showcased their potential, a glimpse of what they could achieve when everything clicked. The team’s chemistry was evident, each player contributing to the collective effort. Ayianna Johnson, a sophomore, added 10 points and seven rebounds, proving that the future is bright for the Buffs.
As the game progressed, the atmosphere in the CU Events Center shifted. The crowd was electric, feeding off the energy of the players. With every basket, the cheers grew louder. The Buffs built a commanding lead, and by the fourth quarter, they were ahead by as much as 45 points. It was a statement win, a reminder that they are a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12.
But amidst the celebration, there was a poignant moment. Senior guards Frida Formann and Sara-Rose Smith, both sidelined by injuries, checked into the game for a brief four seconds. The crowd rose to their feet, a standing ovation that echoed through the arena. It was a moment of solidarity, a reminder that every player, regardless of their on-court contributions, is vital to the team’s spirit. Coach JR Payne acknowledged their sacrifices, emphasizing the emotional toll of being a student-athlete. It was a classy move, honoring not just the seniors on the court but also those who had fought through adversity.
The Buffs’ victory was not just a number on the scoreboard; it was a testament to their resilience. They had faced challenges throughout the season, but on this night, they found their rhythm. The win secured their position in the Big 12 standings, tying them with Arizona for eighth place. With the conference tournament looming, the Buffs are poised to make a run.
As the final buzzer sounded, the players embraced, a tight-knit group celebrating a hard-fought victory. Coach Payne’s words resonated: “Senior days are always great because you have an opportunity to honor your seniors.” But this night was more than just about honoring the past; it was about looking forward. The Buffs are a team on the rise, and their performance against Arizona State was a clear signal that they are ready to compete.
In the world of sports, moments like these are rare. They remind us of the power of teamwork, the strength of community, and the beauty of competition. The CU Buffs women’s basketball team showcased all of this and more on that memorable night. As they prepare for their next challenge against Texas Tech, one thing is clear: the Buffs are not just playing for themselves; they are playing for each other, for their fans, and for the legacy they are building together. The journey continues, and the best is yet to come.