CU dominates Mines, flashes new season’s potential in explosive exhibition
- Mia Driscoll
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
The Colorado Buffaloes women’s basketball team kicked off the 2025-26 season with an impressive exhibition against Colorado School of Mines Orediggers on Wednesday night.
Giving its 10 new players a chance to get the feel of playing in the CU Events Center and fans a taste of the overhauled squad, the Buffs were rearing to go. CU got the win in dominant fashion by a final score of 87-24.
The Buffs held the Orediggers to minimal shot attempts on 21% shooting while also forcing 35 turnovers. Mines seldom got in the paint, and CU’s length challenged every inch of a full-court press. Every available player on Payne’s bench got the opportunity to step on the court and shake off some nerves, with lineups shifting throughout the game.
CU is picked to finish in the middle of the pack (No. 9) in the Big 12’s preseason polls – right where they ended last season. In just its second year in a talented conference, CU will need to prove its ability to play with aggressive, physical and experienced conference opponents.
The league had five teams win at least 25 games last season, tied for the most in Division I. With four teams ranked in the preseason top 25 and a .743 home winning percentage, the Big 12 will be competitive from the jump.
In her 10th season as head coach, JR Payne is energized by yet another team of fresh faces and players eager to make their mark on a program with recent success. Acquiring five transfers and five freshmen to go along with just three players from last season, the squad is newcomer-heavy for the second consecutive year.
Payne continues to improve the program’s standards over the course of her decade in Boulder and has developed numerous successful players during her tenure.
Senior forward Jade Masogayo broke out last season, averaging a career-high 12.5 points to go along with 4.8 rebounds. Despite her low-key personality, Masogayo’s 59.9% shooting was exceptional enough for 12th in the NCAA last season. Selected to the preseason All-Big 12 team, she looks to amplify her impact as a playmaker and leader.
Against Mines, Masogayo added 11 points and was an anchor on both ends.
The key factor in CU’s overpowering win was a massive height advantage. Freshman forward Logyn Greer was a major contributor to the size that Mines had no answer for. The freshman made her first career start and immediately put her 6-foot-10 wingspan to work.
An imposing force on the defensive end and an accessible target for her teammates in the paint, Greer will be an asset to Payne’s offensive scheme as the season progresses.
“Just so awesome to see every single player that was suited up tonight able to play and contribute in really meaningful ways,” Payne said postgame.
Joined by fellow forward Anaëlle Dutat, who led CU with 16 points Wednesday night, Payne’s lineup was as intimidating as it was efficient. Freshman center Sophie Zadel was a monster on the boards, finishing with 14 rebounds.
Mines’s smaller lineup was no match for the physicality of the Buffs.
“Our rebounding effort, I thought that was incredible,” Payne said.
A new spark-plug will be handling the ball for the Buffs this season: redshirt sophomore Kennedy Sanders. Though not boasting such an imposing frame as some of her teammates, what she lacks in height she makes up for in fearlessness.
On Wednesday, the 5-foot-8 guard came out on the attack, taking the ball straight to the hoop on many occasions and often cashing in at the free-throw line. Having been behind the likes of Jaylyn Sherrod and Kindyll Wetta so far in her young career, Sanders has learned from program veterans what her coaches expect from a point guard.
“We've talked a lot about me stepping up,” Sanders said. “I've been here for two years, and we don't have anyone that's been here for two years, so just taking the stuff I learned from Jaylyn and Kindyll, I obviously learned a lot from them. So, just taking that into everything that I'm doing, and making sure I'm being organized.”
Sanders got the start and finished with nine points and four steals. She was supported by fellow guards Desiree Wooten and Erianna Gooden. The connection between the guards and the forwards looked strong, with rebounds and outlets pieced together seamlessly, allowing for instantly dangerous transition offense.
The tenacious defensive effort and deep productivity on the offensive side will only increase throughout the season as the team learns how to play together. The stat sheet was well-rounded for CU, with every eligible player getting a basket and four Buffs finishing in double-digits.
“We have everyone back, gelling together, playing well together,” Payne said. “I think we saw glimpses of what we are capable of doing throughout the season.”
CU will officially start its season with a non-conference home matchup on Thursday, Nov. 6, against the New Mexico Lobos (ESPN+).
**All stats unofficial**
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