Colorado Buffaloes Women Seek Road Victory Against UCF

The Colorado Buffaloes women’s basketball team faces a crucial test as they aim to secure their first road victory of the season against the University of Central Florida (UCF) on January 14, 2026. Currently, the Buffaloes hold a disappointing conference record of 0-3 in away games, severely impacting their standings in the competitive Big 12 Conference.

Despite their struggles on the road, the Buffaloes have demonstrated resilience at home, boasting a 3-0 record against conference rivals at the CU Events Center. Head Coach JR Payne acknowledges the need for improved execution to translate their home success into road victories. Close losses to formidable opponents like No. 16 Baylor and Oklahoma State have highlighted both the potential and challenges faced by the team.

In their recent matchup against Baylor, the Buffaloes narrowly lost 56-52, showing the ability to compete closely with one of the conference’s stronger teams. They led against Oklahoma State early in the fourth quarter but succumbed to a late surge, ultimately falling 63-56. These performances have left the team optimistic, as they believe they were “right there” in both contests.

Seeking Improvement in Road Performance

The Buffaloes’ road struggles are not new; since rejoining the Big 12 last season, their record stands at 1-11 in conference road games. Payne emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and execution throughout the entire duration of games, stating, “We need to be able to continue to focus on the details, and execute throughout the entire 40 minutes rather than just 35 minutes or so.”

With UCF positioned near the bottom of the Big 12 standings, the Buffaloes see this upcoming game as a vital opportunity. UCF has lost three consecutive home games, making them eager for a turnaround. “They just won at Arizona, which very few people do,” Payne noted, indicating the unpredictability of the matchup.

The Knights feature standout guard Leah Harmon, who averages 17.2 points per game and poses a significant threat. Harmon has had fluctuating performances recently but previously scored 38 points against Kansas, showcasing her scoring ability.

Building Momentum After Holiday Break

Since returning from a 10-day holiday break, the Buffaloes have shown promise, playing well in their last five games. Their recent victory against No. 19 Iowa State serves as a significant morale booster. Following this win, Payne expressed optimism, stating, “I felt like, ‘OK, we finally are all on the same page, we know what we need to do, the areas we can be better.’ I think we’re coming into our own.”

The Buffaloes’ roster includes talented players such as Zyanna Walker and Anaelle Dutat, both of whom contribute significantly to the team’s performance. Dutat is currently averaging a double-double in conference play, while Walker has established herself as a key player on the team.

As the Buffaloes prepare for their first-ever visit to UCF, they face a critical moment in their season. They have won both previous encounters against the Knights, including an 81-62 victory at home last January. The team hopes to build on this history as they look to reverse their road fortunes and establish a more competitive presence in the Big 12.

With both teams near the bottom in scoring, the matchup promises to be a gritty contest. The Buffaloes are ranked 13th in scoring, while UCF trails at 15th. Both teams also rank in the middle of the pack for scoring defense, creating an intriguing dynamic for the game ahead.

As the season progresses, the Buffaloes aim to turn their road performance around and make a statement in the Big 12, starting with a critical game against UCF.