Buffs' Journey Ends with Lessons Learned and Future Hopes
March 25, 2025, 9:53 pm
The Colorado Buffaloes women's basketball team faced a bittersweet ending to their season on March 23, 2025. They fell to Gonzaga in the second round of the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT), losing 64-55. The game was a microcosm of their entire season—filled with promise but marred by inconsistency.
The Buffs started strong, leading 10-2 early in the first quarter. Lior Garzon, a standout player, hit two quick three-pointers, igniting hopes for a deep postseason run. But as the game progressed, the momentum shifted. The Buffs struggled to maintain their lead, and Gonzaga capitalized on their mistakes. Turnovers and missed shots became the team's Achilles' heel. The Buffs shot just 33.3% in the last 35 minutes, a stark contrast to their early efficiency.
Gonzaga's Yvonne Ejim and Allie Turner proved to be formidable opponents. Ejim, an All-American, dominated the boards with 10 rebounds and contributed 15 points. Turner, a freshman sensation, hit crucial three-pointers that turned the tide in Gonzaga's favor. The Buffs, despite their efforts, couldn't recover from a 13-2 run that left them trailing for the remainder of the game.
As the final buzzer sounded, the weight of the loss settled heavily on the shoulders of the Buffs. This season was not just about wins and losses; it was a journey of resilience. The team faced significant challenges, including injuries that sidelined key players for a total of 45 games. The roster saw a major overhaul, with ten new players joining the squad. Such changes often lead to growing pains, and this season was no exception.
Head coach JR Payne expressed pride in her team's effort, acknowledging the difficulties they faced. The emotional toll of the game was palpable, especially for the five seniors playing their last collegiate game. Kindyll Wetta, Nyamer Diew, Lior Garzon, Sara-Rose Smith, and Johanna Teder all reflected on their time with the Buffs. Wetta, who played her entire career in front of family, shared her bittersweet feelings about leaving the game behind.
The end of the season is often a time for reflection. For the Buffs, it means looking ahead to the offseason. Changes are inevitable. The team will need to regroup, rebuild, and refocus. The promise of new talent brings excitement, but it also requires a period of adjustment. The coaching staff will have to harness the energy of the newcomers while integrating them with returning players.
Despite the challenges, the Buffs achieved a significant milestone this season—21 wins and a fifth consecutive postseason appearance. This achievement is a testament to their hard work and determination. The journey may have ended in disappointment, but it also laid the groundwork for future success.
As the team transitions into the offseason, the focus will shift to training, recruitment, and strategy. The lessons learned from this season will serve as a foundation for growth. The Buffs will need to address their shooting consistency and ball control. They must learn to execute under pressure, especially in crucial moments of the game.
Meanwhile, the college basketball landscape continues to evolve. The NCAA is exploring new opportunities for teams, including joint practices and games. The potential collaboration between CU and Syracuse, as proposed by coaches Deion Sanders and Fran Brown, could be a game-changer. Such initiatives could enhance player development and foster camaraderie among teams.
The Buffs' season may have ended, but the spirit of competition remains alive. The offseason will be a time for renewal and hope. With the right adjustments and a commitment to improvement, the Buffs can emerge stronger. The journey is far from over; it’s merely a pause before the next chapter begins.
In the grand tapestry of college basketball, every season tells a story. The Buffs' narrative is one of resilience, growth, and the pursuit of excellence. As they look to the future, the lessons learned will guide them. The road ahead may be challenging, but with determination and teamwork, the Buffs can rise again.
In the end, it’s not just about the scoreboard. It’s about the relationships forged, the lessons learned, and the memories created. The Buffs will carry these experiences into the next season, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead. The future is bright, and the journey continues.
The Buffs started strong, leading 10-2 early in the first quarter. Lior Garzon, a standout player, hit two quick three-pointers, igniting hopes for a deep postseason run. But as the game progressed, the momentum shifted. The Buffs struggled to maintain their lead, and Gonzaga capitalized on their mistakes. Turnovers and missed shots became the team's Achilles' heel. The Buffs shot just 33.3% in the last 35 minutes, a stark contrast to their early efficiency.
Gonzaga's Yvonne Ejim and Allie Turner proved to be formidable opponents. Ejim, an All-American, dominated the boards with 10 rebounds and contributed 15 points. Turner, a freshman sensation, hit crucial three-pointers that turned the tide in Gonzaga's favor. The Buffs, despite their efforts, couldn't recover from a 13-2 run that left them trailing for the remainder of the game.
As the final buzzer sounded, the weight of the loss settled heavily on the shoulders of the Buffs. This season was not just about wins and losses; it was a journey of resilience. The team faced significant challenges, including injuries that sidelined key players for a total of 45 games. The roster saw a major overhaul, with ten new players joining the squad. Such changes often lead to growing pains, and this season was no exception.
Head coach JR Payne expressed pride in her team's effort, acknowledging the difficulties they faced. The emotional toll of the game was palpable, especially for the five seniors playing their last collegiate game. Kindyll Wetta, Nyamer Diew, Lior Garzon, Sara-Rose Smith, and Johanna Teder all reflected on their time with the Buffs. Wetta, who played her entire career in front of family, shared her bittersweet feelings about leaving the game behind.
The end of the season is often a time for reflection. For the Buffs, it means looking ahead to the offseason. Changes are inevitable. The team will need to regroup, rebuild, and refocus. The promise of new talent brings excitement, but it also requires a period of adjustment. The coaching staff will have to harness the energy of the newcomers while integrating them with returning players.
Despite the challenges, the Buffs achieved a significant milestone this season—21 wins and a fifth consecutive postseason appearance. This achievement is a testament to their hard work and determination. The journey may have ended in disappointment, but it also laid the groundwork for future success.
As the team transitions into the offseason, the focus will shift to training, recruitment, and strategy. The lessons learned from this season will serve as a foundation for growth. The Buffs will need to address their shooting consistency and ball control. They must learn to execute under pressure, especially in crucial moments of the game.
Meanwhile, the college basketball landscape continues to evolve. The NCAA is exploring new opportunities for teams, including joint practices and games. The potential collaboration between CU and Syracuse, as proposed by coaches Deion Sanders and Fran Brown, could be a game-changer. Such initiatives could enhance player development and foster camaraderie among teams.
The Buffs' season may have ended, but the spirit of competition remains alive. The offseason will be a time for renewal and hope. With the right adjustments and a commitment to improvement, the Buffs can emerge stronger. The journey is far from over; it’s merely a pause before the next chapter begins.
In the grand tapestry of college basketball, every season tells a story. The Buffs' narrative is one of resilience, growth, and the pursuit of excellence. As they look to the future, the lessons learned will guide them. The road ahead may be challenging, but with determination and teamwork, the Buffs can rise again.
In the end, it’s not just about the scoreboard. It’s about the relationships forged, the lessons learned, and the memories created. The Buffs will carry these experiences into the next season, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead. The future is bright, and the journey continues.