Colorado Buffaloes Women’s Basketball Strengthens NCAA Tournament Bid

The Colorado Buffaloes women’s basketball team, under the guidance of head coach JR Payne, has significantly bolstered its chances for an invitation to the NCAA Tournament following a competitive run in the Big 12 Championship held in Kansas City, Missouri. After concluding the regular season with two consecutive losses, the Buffaloes entered the tournament in a precarious position, clinging to a potential spot in the tournament projections by ESPN bracketologist Charlie Creme.

Despite suffering a narrow defeat on Saturday night in the Big 12 semifinals, Payne emerged from Kansas City with renewed confidence regarding her team’s tournament prospects. The Buffaloes, with an overall record of 22-11, posted a 2-1 record during the Big 12 tournament at the T-Mobile Center. They secured crucial victories against fellow bubble team Kansas and advanced past No. 3 seed and 20th-ranked Baylor. Their semifinal match against second-seeded and No. 15 West Virginia ended in a heart-wrenching 48-47 loss, but it was enough to enhance their tournament resume.

Creme has since projected the Buffaloes as one of the last four teams to receive a bye into the tournament, marking a significant improvement from their previous standing. He currently ranks them as a No. 10 seed. “Oh yeah, of course,” Payne stated when asked if she felt more optimistic about her team’s chances. “I mean, I don’t think there’s any question that we have earned the right to dance, so to speak.”

Historically, since the 1999-2000 season, 372 of 376 Power Four conference teams (98.9%) that achieved at least 11 regular season conference wins have made the NCAA Tournament. This season, the Buffaloes finished with an 11-7 record in Big 12 play and 10-4 in their last 14 games, further solidifying their qualifications.

Coach Payne’s strategy has paid off, as the Buffaloes not only overcame formidable opponents but also showcased their defensive prowess, especially in their challenging matches against West Virginia. “That team is deserving,” remarked West Virginia coach Mark Kellogg after the semifinal. “JR is one of the best coaches in the country. She does a phenomenal job. She’s been in that situation before. So much respect to that group, and certainly would hope to see their name called.”

Big 12 Tournament Performance

The Big 12 Championship highlighted the increasing competitiveness within the conference. Creme has identified seven teams from the Big 12 as firmly in the tournament mix, which includes Colorado. Arizona State has also gained attention as a potential eighth team among the last four in. On the other hand, BYU and Utah are currently listed as the first two teams out, while Kansas State has positioned itself on the bubble with a recent run to the conference semifinals.

Coaches across the conference have expressed optimism regarding their teams’ performances in Kansas City. “I think it shows, obviously, the parity, but the league has been fantastic,” Kellogg added. “Our league has earned the right to probably have more teams in than some of the projections. We had a much better non-conference than we even had a year ago, and so I think we should be reaping some of those benefits.”

Colorado’s Basketball Community

The presence of Colorado talent in the Big 12 is notable, with seven players from the state competing in the conference. This includes Jana Van Gytenbeek, a Cherry Creek graduate and starting point guard for Baylor, and Marya Hudgins, a Grandview graduate who has been a significant player for BYU, although she was sidelined during the tournament due to injury. Hudgins expressed pride in representing Colorado on a national stage. “It’s so awesome,” she stated. “I think it’s really cool to kind of find a community within the state.”

The roster of Colorado players in the Big 12 also includes Ramiyah Byrd of Cincinnati, Tatyonna Brown of Kansas, Macey Huard of Oklahoma State, and Samantha Crispe and Evelina Otto from Utah. Their collective presence underscores the growing influence of Colorado players in collegiate basketball, fostering a sense of community and pride among local athletes.

As the NCAA Tournament approaches, the Buffaloes will remain hopeful for a favorable outcome when selection announcements are made. With a solid season behind them and a strong performance in the Big 12, their aspirations for a tournament berth are not only justified but compelling.