BOULDER, Colo. — In an exciting Big 12 Conference opener on Saturday night, the Colorado Buffaloes overcame a significant deficit to defeat the 14th-ranked West Virginia Mountaineers, finishing with a score of 65-60. Frida Formann excelled with four 3-pointers and a total of 22 points, while teammates Jade Masogayo contributed 18 points and Lior Garzon scored 12 of her 14 during a crucial fourth quarter that powered Colorado’s comeback.

At the start of the final quarter, the Buffaloes (10-2) found themselves trailing by 11 points. However, they turned the game around by outscoring the Mountaineers 25-9 to secure the victory. Formann had an impressive shooting night, hitting 8 of her 14 attempts, and Colorado showcased remarkable shooting accuracy in the closing minutes, making 81.8% of their shots (9 of 11). Masogayo was particularly efficient, sinking 9 of 10 attempts while also grabbing seven rebounds.

For West Virginia (10-2), Jordan Harrison was the standout performer, finishing with 18 points and five assists, while Ja’Naiya Quinerly added 15 points to the tally. The Mountaineers opened the game strong, securing a 16-9 lead after the first quarter with contributions from six different players. Formann’s eight points in the second quarter helped Colorado narrow the gap to 28-25 by halftime, as Harrison was West Virginia’s primary scorer with 10 of the team’s 12 points in that period.

As the second half commenced, the Buffaloes reduced the deficit to just one point with Masogayo’s layup, but West Virginia responded effectively to regain control, extending their lead to 41-30 by the end of the third quarter.

In the final moments, Masogayo’s layup and Garzon’s consecutive baskets brought Colorado to within five points at 51-46 with just over six minutes remaining. A crucial 3-pointer by Grace Oliver, followed by three straight successes by Masogayo and two free throws from Formann, sparked an impressive 11-0 run, allowing Colorado to take a 62-55 lead with only 36 seconds left in the game.

Looking ahead, West Virginia will have a break before hosting UCF on New Year’s Day for another conference matchup. Meanwhile, Colorado will also pause before facing No. 12 TCU on January 1 in Big 12 competition.