Colorado Climbs Past Youngstown State - University of Colorado Athletics

Saturday, November 14

Boulder, Colo.

1 p.m.

Colorado

4-0,0-0Big 12

Youngstown State

2-2,0-0Horizon

Team	1	2	3	4	F
Youngstown St.	20	11	13	19	63
Colorado	14	16	16	26	72

November 14, 2026 | Women's Basketball

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By: Peighton Lemp, Athletic Communications Student Assistant

BOULDER – Defensive tenacity pushed Colorado women's basketball past Youngstown State, 72-63, on Saturday afternoon at the CU Events Center.

Despite struggling to hit shots in the first quarter, defensive efforts and key rebounds kept the Buffs in the game. Colorado (4-0, 0-0 Big 12) outscored Youngstown State (2-2, 0-0 Horizon) in the remaining three quarters, taking their first lead early in the third frame.

"Our preseason is shaping up to be exactly what we wanted it to be. Like really good teams, diverse teams," head coach JR Payne said. "I'm really proud of how we played tonight, I thought we had great composure against the team that won 25 games last year."

The Buffaloes forced 10 Penguin turnovers which led to 16 points for CU. The Buffs also collected six steals and seven blocks. Forward Kira Reynolds led in the blocks column with a season-high of three.

Guard Brooke Walker recorded her first points as a Buffalo while dishing out a career-high six assists.

She was one of 11 players to register points for the Buffs. Leading the way was center Anete Adler with 14 points. Also finishing in double digits were guards Kennedy Sanders and Zyanna Walker with 13 and 12, respectively.

"I thought tonight different people really stepped up," Payne said. "I think ultimately that helped us win the game today because we just had a little bit more depth."

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Quarter: Youngstown State 20, Colorado 14

Youngstown State found its rhythm early, going three-for-three in their first shots from the field and making two from the free throw line. The Buffaloes answered with a layup from forward Logyn Greer and a Sanders three-pointer, but still trailed 13-7 midway through the first quarter.

Guard Claire O'Connor entered the game and drained a three off a second-chance opportunity for the Buffs. O'Connor soared into the paint for an offensive rebound and a quick put back, but YSU still held a 20-12 lead. CU began to slow down the Penguins as they forced a shot clock violation.

The Buffaloes continued to grind on offense, gathering five offensive rebounds and nine second-chance points. Reynolds capped off the opening frame with a monster block.

Second Quarter: Youngstown State 31, Colorado 30

A step-back baseline jumper by guard Mecailin Marshall in transition opened the second quarter. Both teams struggled to hit shots as neither scored for three minutes and missed five-straight from the field.

A three-pointer by guard Lauren Harris built CU's momentum and closed their gap to 23-19 with 5:42 left in the quarter. Colorado answered a Youngstown State three-pointer with a layup by Z. Walker.

The momentum shifted in the Buffaloes favor late in the quarter as O'Connor hit a three followed by a Z. Walker steal and finish at the rim, narrowing the score 31-29 as CU still trailed.

Once again, a block rounded out the quarter, this time by O'Connor.

Third Quarter: Colorado 46, Youngstown State 44

Z. Walker made back-to-back layups to give Colorado their first lead of the game, 34-31. Greer added on with a turnaround jump shot and Adler tagged on a block to stop the Penguins.

The Buffs held Youngstown State scoreless for over two minutes before the Penguins ended their drought with a layup midway through the quarter.

A YSU layup out of the media timeout was answered by a put-back layup from guard Cail Jahnke. Adler extended CU's lead, 44-40, with back-to-back finishes at the rim.

Colorado found their transition game with guard Brooke Walker assisting Janke on a fastbreak layup.

Fourth Quarter: Colorado 72, Youngstown 63

A steal by O'Connor resulted in a Z. Walker transition layup assisted by Sanders, giving CU a 51-44 lead with 8:26 left in the quarter.

Sanders executed an and-one opportunity followed by another assist to Z. Walker in transition. Colorado forced yet another Penguin turnover, with Sanders stealing the ball and going coast-to-coast for a 58-44 advantage.

Youngstown State drained a three before Reynolds answered with a layup after an o-board. Adler tagged on another layup from a fastbreak opportunity, pushing CU ahead 66-53 with 2:05 left in the game.

Sanders closed out the game with a layup and two free throws for the Buffs.

KEY PLAYERS

No. 20 Anete Adler (14 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks)

Adler matched her season-high with 14 points for the second-straight game, previously reaching the mark against San Diego State on Nov. 11, to record her second consecutive double-digit scoring performance and third of the season.
Converted all four free-throw attempts, setting a new season high for free throws made in a game.

No. 0 Brooke Walker (2 points, 6 assists, 2 rebounds)

Walker recorded a career-high six assists, surpassing her previous high of four against Morgan State on Nov. 4.
Her six assists marked the most by a Colorado player in a single game this season.

No. 1 Zyanna Walker (12 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists)

Walker claimed her third double-digit scoring performance of the season and second-straight, following a 17-point performance against San Diego State.
Recorded a season-high five assists, surpassing her previous high of three against Fresno State on Nov. 7.

No. 2 Kennedy Sanders (13 points, 4 assists)

Sanders recorded a season-high 13 points, surpassing her previous high of nine against Fresno State on Nov. 7.
Recorded four assists, marking her third game this season with at least four assists.

No. 21 Kira Reynolds (4 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks)

Reynolds recorded a season-high three blocks, surpassing her previous high of one against Fresno State and San Diego State.

No. 7 Claire O'Connor (8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks)

O'Connor matched her season high with eight points, previously recorded against Fresno State on Nov. 7.
Connected on both three-point attempts, becoming the first Buff this season to shoot 100% from beyond the arc with multiple made 3-pointers since Cail Jahnke against Morgan State on Nov. 4.
Recorded two blocked shots, bringing her season total to five.

GAME NOTES:

Colorado improved to 4-0 on the season and 3-0 at the CU Events Center, extending its winning streak to four games.
This was CU's first win when trailing at the half since February 21, 2026 when they beat No. 20 Texas Tech 75-68.
CU didn't gain their first lead until 9:17 remaining in the third quarter, yet held it the rest of the game.
The Buffaloes saw six different players record a new season or career high.
Colorado recorded a season-high 47 rebounds, surpassing their previous high of 46 against Morgan State on Nov. 4. CU outrebounded Youngstown State 47-34, holding a 13-rebound advantage.
The Buffs' defense held the Penguins to zero field goals for a five minute and 25 second stretch in the second quarter.
The Buffs have outscored their opponents 292-212 through their first four games, holding a 20.0-point average scoring advantage.
This is the first time Colorado and Youngstown State have ever faced off.

UP NEXT: Colorado heads back on the road to take on New Mexico on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m MT. Fans can watch the game via MW+ and follow along with live stats on CUBuffs.com.