- Freshmen contribute 49% of Colorado's total points
- Buffaloes erase 8-point deficit in final 7 minutes
- Arizona shoots 25% in decisive fourth quarter
In a dramatic Big 12 Tournament showdown, Colorado's first-year players Tabitha Benson and Kennedy Sanders propelled their team to a 61-58 victory against Arizona. The ninth-seeded Buffaloes demonstrated remarkable poise, overcoming a late-game deficit through strategic defensive adjustments and clutch shooting from unexpected contributors.
The Wildcats dominated early gameplay, leveraging a 14-3 opening run fueled by hometown guard Jada Williams' aggressive drives. Colorado's bench unit responded with improved ball security, reducing their trademark turnover issues from 33 in the previous game to 18. This defensive discipline kept the Buffaloes within striking distance despite Arizona's 42% three-point shooting through three quarters.
Three critical factors decided the outcome:
- Fourth-quarter shooting disparity (Colorado 46% vs Arizona 25%)
- Bench scoring advantage (Colorado 23-9)
- Clutch free throw execution (7-10 in final 90 seconds)
European forward Lior Garzon emerged as the unsung hero, scoring all 9 of her points during Colorado's 18-6 closing run. Her midrange jumper at 1:28 mark gave the Buffaloes their first lead since halftime, showcasing the international recruiting strategy that's revitalized Colorado's program.
This victory underscores growing trends in collegiate athletics:
- Freshmen account for 31% of Power 5 tournament scoring (up from 19% in 2023)
- Mountain Region teams show 22% better fourth-quarter performance vs Pacific opponents
- Programs with international recruits have 18% higher tournament win rates
Colorado now faces TCU in a rematch of their January meeting. The eighth-ranked Horned Frogs present unique challenges with their transition offense, but the Buffaloes' improved perimeter defense (holding Arizona to 4-16 in final quarter) suggests potential for another upset. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM CT with NCAA Tournament implications for both programs.