The Colorado Buffaloes women’s basketball team surged in the fourth quarter to secure a decisive victory over the College of Charleston Cougars, winning 66-47 on December 2, 2025, at the CU Events Center in Boulder, Colorado. This win allowed the Buffaloes to break a two-game losing streak, improving their record to 6-3 for the season.
Throughout the match, the Buffaloes demonstrated a strong defensive strategy, limiting Charleston to just 29.8% shooting and forcing a total of 20 turnovers. The Buffaloes capitalized on these mistakes, scoring 19 points off turnovers, a key factor in their success.
JR Payne, head coach of the Buffaloes, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance. “I thought we played really well in spurts tonight. There were a couple of pretty big lulls where we felt like, oh, we’re kind of backtracking, but I thought the team did an exceptional job of being able to dig their heels in at that time, which is something we need,” he noted.
The Buffaloes were led by standout performances from Anaëlle Dutat and Kennedy Sanders, both scoring 14 points each. Dutat also contributed seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while Sanders added two assists and two steals. Charleston’s Taryn Barbot was a formidable opponent, finishing the game with a game-high 22 points and nine rebounds, but the Buffaloes’ defense proved too strong.
In a game that echoed their previous match against Montana State, the Buffaloes found themselves in a competitive struggle early on. However, they shifted into high gear during the final quarter, outscoring Charleston 17-4. This late-game surge was pivotal in sealing the victory.
“Finding that ability to dig in together and get ourselves out of that is going to be essential for our success,” said Payne. He praised the intensity and focus exhibited during practice leading up to the game, describing Monday and Tuesday’s sessions as “the best practices of the year.” Freshman Jade Crook, who added six points and six rebounds in the game, noted the importance of energy and teamwork. “We really came out tonight with a lot more energy,” she said. “Our practices this week were really focused on energy and being together as a team.”
The Buffaloes took control of the game early, never trailing after a pivotal three-pointer by Sanders with 42 seconds left in the first quarter. This shot ignited a 16-3 run. Although Charleston managed to narrow the gap to 32-24 by halftime, the Buffaloes responded with a strong third quarter. A 14-0 run put them in a commanding position, yet the Cougars refused to back down, closing the gap to 49-43 heading into the final quarter.
Both teams battled fiercely for rebounds, with the Buffaloes ultimately winning the battle on the boards 48-37. Five Buffaloes players recorded at least five rebounds, highlighting their commitment to defensive play. Dutat emphasized the importance of limiting second-chance points, stating, “Rebounding was really important, especially on the defensive end because we knew they like to crash their own shots.”
The Buffaloes will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to host Wyoming on Sunday at 1 p.m. (ESPN+), aiming to continue their upward trajectory in the season.
In summary, the Colorado Buffaloes showcased a well-rounded performance against the College of Charleston Cougars, demonstrating resilience and teamwork that proved crucial for their victory. With key contributions from their leading players and a solid defensive strategy, the Buffaloes are poised for further success as the season progresses.
