LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Interstat) — In a back-and-forth nonconference battle, the Louisville women’s basketball team outlasted a persistent Colorado squad for a 74-68 victory on Wednesday night at the KFC Yum! Center.

A crowd of 6,730 watched as the Cardinals used a strong fourth-quarter push to secure the win, improving their record to 2-1, while the Buffaloes fell to an even 1-1.

The game was a tale of shifting momentum, with Colorado establishing an early lead before Louisville methodically worked its way back and ultimately seized control when it mattered most. The Buffaloes came out firing, building a 23-18 lead after the first quarter behind an efficient offensive start. The Cardinals responded by tightening their defense in the second period, outscoring Colorado 16-14 to narrow the gap to 37-34 at halftime.

The third quarter was a deadlock, with both teams trading baskets to the tune of 21 points each, setting up a tense final 10 minutes with Colorado clinging to a narrow 58-55 lead. The fourth quarter, however, belonged to Louisville. The Cardinals’ defense clamped down, holding the Buffaloes to just 10 points while their own offense produced 19 to pull away down the stretch.

Skylar Jones led all scorers for Louisville, pouring in 21 points to go with four rebounds. She was a consistent force throughout the contest, providing critical baskets at key moments. Laura Ziegler was a formidable presence in the paint, recording a double-double with 15 points and six rebounds, while also swatting two shots. Tajianna Roberts facilitated the offense and chipped in 16 points and three assists, proving to be a steady hand for the Cardinals.

For Colorado, Zyanna Walker was the standout performer. In just 22 minutes of action, the guard from Wichita, Kansas, was remarkably efficient, scoring a team-high 19 points and grabbing seven rebounds. She also dished out four assists and recorded a block. Anaëlle Dutat anchored the Buffaloes’ frontcourt, logging a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds in a game-high 36 minutes. Logyn Greer also contributed 13 points and six rebounds for the visitors.

The game began with Colorado setting a fierce pace. Jade Masogayo scored the first points of the game on a tip-in, and the Buffaloes’ offense continued to click. Despite an early three-pointer from Louisville’s Ziegler, Colorado maintained its composure. Back-to-back baskets from Kennedy Sanders and a three-pointer from Desiree Wooten helped the Buffaloes build their first-quarter advantage.

Louisville began to find its rhythm late in the first and into the second quarter. A three-pointer from Imari Berry and a driving layup from Mackenly Randolph closed the opening period, and the Cardinals carried that momentum forward. Roberts and Jones began to find their scoring touch, and a pair of free throws from Ziegler gave Louisville its first lead of the game late in the second quarter. The teams traded blows until the halftime buzzer, with Colorado managing to hold a slim lead.

The third quarter saw neither team able to establish more than a fleeting advantage. Walker was instrumental for Colorado, hitting a pull-up jumper and converting a three-point play to keep the Buffaloes in front. Every time the Cardinals threatened, Colorado had an answer, with Dutat and Greer providing crucial interior scoring.

The final period, however, told a different story. Louisville’s defense intensified, forcing difficult shots and key turnovers. A three-pointer from Reyna Scott early in the quarter gave the Cardinals a lead they would not relinquish. Colorado fought to the final whistle, with Walker slicing to the basket for a layup to cut the deficit to two points with under 20 seconds remaining. But Louisville iced the game from the free-throw line, with Ziegler and Imari Berry making critical shots in the closing seconds to seal the six-point victory.

The game was a significant test for both teams early in the season. Colorado will look to rebound when it returns home to face Portland State on Sunday. Louisville, meanwhile, hits the road for its next contest, a matchup at Clemson, also on Sunday.