Five takeaways from Colorado’s upset win over LSU
Only one day after the Colorado Buffaloes women’s basketball team upset the reigning national champs and No.1 ranked LSU Tigers on Monday, fans still smile ear to ear thinking about what the Buffs were able to accomplish in their first game of the year.
The Buffs let everyone know that this team is for real and ready to compete against the very best in the country. Head coach JR Payne and the Buffs were not afraid of facing the Tigers and because of that mindset, they became the first team to beat the defending champs in the first game of the season since 1995.
Here are five takeaways from Colorado’s 92-78 win over LSU:
Aaronette Vonleh is one of the best players in the country
I don’t care that the season is only one game old. Aaronette Vonleh is exceptional and everyone needs to hear it. Going up against last year’s NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player Angel Reese, Vonleh dominated on both sides of the court. Reese could not get into the paint and had to settle for taking contested jump shots all night. LSU’s defense also threw just about everyone it had on Vonleh to try to slow her down.
Colorado can come at you in waves
After picking up impact transfers Maddie Nolan and Sara-Rose Smith, Colorado can go nine to 10 players deep on any given night. Ten Buffs saw playing time in Vegas with no drop in play, especially on the defensive side.
CU's backcourt is going to be a nightmare for anyone to deal with
Good luck to any opposing guards who must match up with Frida Formann and Jaylyn Sherrod this season. Both guards are able to make shots and create for others in this offense. Lost in Colorado’s impressive shooting night, Formann also dished out five assists.
Even for a team as athletic as LSU, Sherrod’s speed was too much to handle. Once she goes downhill towards the basket, there isn’t anything teams can do to derail her.
The game was won on the defensive side of the ball
Even though Colorado’s offense was on fire — putting up 92 points — the defense was equally as impressive. The Buffs had their hands in all passing lanes and by the time Colorado took control, you could see the visible frustration on the faces of the Tigers. CU’s smothering man defense in the first half was only countered by a quick whistle and some fortunate bounces going LSU’s way. In the second half, Colorado switched to a zone look that seemed to catch LSU off guard. This ability to force other teams into scouting multiple defenses will win the Buffs many games.
The Buffaloes were not phased by the bright lights
Not even Kim Mulkey’s flashy Vegas-themed attire could distract CU from what it wanted to accomplish. For every run or punch that the Tigers threw, the Buffaloes countered with a right hook of their own. This is a mark of a highly talented, veteran squad that could be considered a legit title contender.
Further reading
READ: Social media reacts to Colorado shocking the No. 1 LSU Tigers
Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.
