Colorado Buffs Secure NCAA Tournament Bid, Eye Deep Run
March 15, 2026, 9:47 am
Colorado women's basketball confidently awaits its NCAA Tournament selection. A dominant 2-1 Big 12 tournament performance, featuring a critical upset victory, solidified their resume. The Buffaloes boast a 22-11 overall record, 11-7 in demanding Big 12 play. ESPN now projects them as a secure No. 10 seed, a significant improvement. The team feels relaxed and prepared after a needed break. This marks the program's strong trajectory, targeting a fourth tournament appearance in five years. The Big 12 is well-represented in national projections.
Colorado women's basketball has earned its place. The team cemented an NCAA Tournament berth. This outcome follows a strong Big 12 Tournament showing. Nerves are lower than in past seasons. The coach feels a sense of pride. The team performed under pressure. Their resilience was key. They truly earned their spot in the field.
Two years ago, the team was a tournament lock. Their 22-9 record and No. 17 national ranking ensured entry. Seeding caused concern. A No. 4 seed meant hosting games. They ultimately received a No. 5 seed. The team traveled for opening weekend. Last year brought disappointment. A 20-12 record was not enough. The Buffaloes were the first team left out. They played in the WBIT instead. This year feels different. The team's resume is solid.
The Buffaloes hold a 22-11 overall record. They finished 11-7 in Big 12 play. This record is robust. Power Four conference teams with 11 conference wins almost always make the tournament. The historical success rate is 98.9%. This statistic supports Colorado's case. The team operates with confidence. They play with house money. Their current form is strong. They understand their strengths. They recognize their weaknesses. The experience is enjoyable.
Colorado performed exceptionally in Kansas City. They finished 2-1 in the Big 12 Tournament. Two consecutive losses ended the regular season. This created initial uncertainty. Projections had the team barely in. Their tournament run changed that. They defeated a fellow bubble team, Kansas. They rolled past No. 3 seed and 20th-ranked Baylor. This was a significant upset. They narrowly lost to No. 15 West Virginia. The score was 48-47 in the semifinals. West Virginia later won the Big 12 title. This strong showing improved Colorado's standing.
ESPN now projects Colorado as a No. 10 seed. They are firmly ahead of several bubble teams. This represents a significant shift. The Big 12 run was crucial. Had they lost their first tournament game, their fate might have differed. The team's resilience shines. This quality transcends basketball. It prepares players for future challenges. This resilience is a source of immense pride. Wins and rankings are important. But the ability to respond to adversity is paramount.
The team received a much-needed rest. They lost to West Virginia on Saturday. They returned home. Several days off followed. Practice resumed Thursday and Friday. The break was essential. This long season began in early July. Players earned their time off. They caught up on rest and personal tasks. Returning to the court brought excitement. The off-week allowed fine-tuning. Skill sets do not change quickly. Cohesiveness, confidence, and communication can improve rapidly. These are focus areas.
Colorado aims for its fourth NCAA Tournament appearance in five years. This marks a consistent program trajectory. They are one of only 20 Division I teams with at least 21 wins in five consecutive seasons. This demonstrates sustained excellence. Only one other Big 12 team shares this distinction, Iowa State. This places Colorado in elite company. The coach sees no specific preference for a travel destination. Players are eager to compete, regardless of location. Baton Rouge, Durham, Nashville, and Iowa City are potential sites.
The Big 12 conference itself showcases strong talent. Seven Big 12 teams are projected in the tournament field. An eighth team, Arizona State, hovers on the bubble. Conference coaches advocate for more Big 12 teams. They point to the league's parity. They highlight strong non-conference records. BYU and Utah are currently on the outside. Kansas State made a deep conference tournament run. This put them on the bubble despite their overall record. Kansas was a bubble team. They lost to Colorado in the second round.
Colorado high schools contribute significantly to Big 12 rosters. Seven players from Colorado compete in the conference. Jana Van Gytenbeek, a Cherry Creek graduate, starts for Baylor. Marya Hudgins, a Grandview alumna, plays a key role for BYU. Other Colorado players include Ramiyah Byrd (Cincinnati), Tatyonna Brown (Kansas), Macey Huard (Oklahoma State), Samantha Crispe (Utah), and Evelina Otto (Utah). This showcases regional talent. Their success inspires younger athletes. This local impact is a point of pride.
Colorado women's basketball has earned its place. The team cemented an NCAA Tournament berth. This outcome follows a strong Big 12 Tournament showing. Nerves are lower than in past seasons. The coach feels a sense of pride. The team performed under pressure. Their resilience was key. They truly earned their spot in the field.
Two years ago, the team was a tournament lock. Their 22-9 record and No. 17 national ranking ensured entry. Seeding caused concern. A No. 4 seed meant hosting games. They ultimately received a No. 5 seed. The team traveled for opening weekend. Last year brought disappointment. A 20-12 record was not enough. The Buffaloes were the first team left out. They played in the WBIT instead. This year feels different. The team's resume is solid.
The Buffaloes hold a 22-11 overall record. They finished 11-7 in Big 12 play. This record is robust. Power Four conference teams with 11 conference wins almost always make the tournament. The historical success rate is 98.9%. This statistic supports Colorado's case. The team operates with confidence. They play with house money. Their current form is strong. They understand their strengths. They recognize their weaknesses. The experience is enjoyable.
Colorado performed exceptionally in Kansas City. They finished 2-1 in the Big 12 Tournament. Two consecutive losses ended the regular season. This created initial uncertainty. Projections had the team barely in. Their tournament run changed that. They defeated a fellow bubble team, Kansas. They rolled past No. 3 seed and 20th-ranked Baylor. This was a significant upset. They narrowly lost to No. 15 West Virginia. The score was 48-47 in the semifinals. West Virginia later won the Big 12 title. This strong showing improved Colorado's standing.
ESPN now projects Colorado as a No. 10 seed. They are firmly ahead of several bubble teams. This represents a significant shift. The Big 12 run was crucial. Had they lost their first tournament game, their fate might have differed. The team's resilience shines. This quality transcends basketball. It prepares players for future challenges. This resilience is a source of immense pride. Wins and rankings are important. But the ability to respond to adversity is paramount.
The team received a much-needed rest. They lost to West Virginia on Saturday. They returned home. Several days off followed. Practice resumed Thursday and Friday. The break was essential. This long season began in early July. Players earned their time off. They caught up on rest and personal tasks. Returning to the court brought excitement. The off-week allowed fine-tuning. Skill sets do not change quickly. Cohesiveness, confidence, and communication can improve rapidly. These are focus areas.
Colorado aims for its fourth NCAA Tournament appearance in five years. This marks a consistent program trajectory. They are one of only 20 Division I teams with at least 21 wins in five consecutive seasons. This demonstrates sustained excellence. Only one other Big 12 team shares this distinction, Iowa State. This places Colorado in elite company. The coach sees no specific preference for a travel destination. Players are eager to compete, regardless of location. Baton Rouge, Durham, Nashville, and Iowa City are potential sites.
The Big 12 conference itself showcases strong talent. Seven Big 12 teams are projected in the tournament field. An eighth team, Arizona State, hovers on the bubble. Conference coaches advocate for more Big 12 teams. They point to the league's parity. They highlight strong non-conference records. BYU and Utah are currently on the outside. Kansas State made a deep conference tournament run. This put them on the bubble despite their overall record. Kansas was a bubble team. They lost to Colorado in the second round.
Colorado high schools contribute significantly to Big 12 rosters. Seven players from Colorado compete in the conference. Jana Van Gytenbeek, a Cherry Creek graduate, starts for Baylor. Marya Hudgins, a Grandview alumna, plays a key role for BYU. Other Colorado players include Ramiyah Byrd (Cincinnati), Tatyonna Brown (Kansas), Macey Huard (Oklahoma State), Samantha Crispe (Utah), and Evelina Otto (Utah). This showcases regional talent. Their success inspires younger athletes. This local impact is a point of pride.