Colorado University Athletics
Saturday, October 28
Boulder, Colo.
1:00 PM
Colorado
81
vs
57
Adams State
Photo by: CUBuffs.com
Buffs Secure Exhibition Win Over Adams State
October 28, 2023 | Women's Basketball
Colorado opens the season on Nov. 6
BOULDER — Colorado women's basketball got back to action for the first time at the CU Events Center on Saturday. The Buffaloes got the season started with an 81-57 exhibition win over Adams State.
The 20th-ranked Buffs had four players in double figures led by senior Frida Formann's 16 points. Colorado shot 50% from the field on the day and opened up the lead in the first half after a more closely contested first 20 minutes of play.
Adams State proved to be a pesky matchup for the Buffs as the smaller Grizzlies kept with CU for most of the first half.
"I think Alex [Earl], our assistant said at best. It wasn't our best game, but at least we got our first game out of the way," head coach JR Payne said. "Ironically, that really small team is much more difficult for us to play against. They're totally different matchups than we ever see. That was good for us to have a different type of challenge in our opening game. I think we'll turn on the film and see that we did a lot of good things and also a lot of things that we still need to improve. That's why you play an exhibition game. Glad it's over and we're ready for the season."
Adams State was paced by Harmanie Dominguez and her 17 points. She hit five of ASU's eight 3-pointers. The Grizzlies shot 38.1% from behind the arc and had six of their 3's come in first three quarters.
"I think we'll turn on the film and see that we we're not playing as clean as we want to play," Payne continued. "It's kind of clunky at times. We need to be able to transition from our transition offense into our half-court offense a little bit more smoothly. Like I said at the beginning, I'm glad the first is game over because usually, you can sort of knock off some of the rust and things just get better with time."
How it happened
The Buffs and Grizzlies were back and forth in the opening quarter, trading the lead six times in the first 10 minutes. The Buffs trailed by five midway through the quarter due in large to Adams State's offensive efficiency. The Grizzlies opened the day 7-for-15 from the field and hit two 3's, while the Buffs struggled from behind the arc early.
Colorado opened the second quarter with a 3-point play from Sherrod to break the 18-18 tie. Adams State kept with the Buffs early in the quarter, taking a 24-23 lead. CU responded with four consecutive free throws from Formann that kicked off a 15-3 run to close that closed the half with CU in front 38-27.
CU started 5-for-5 out of the break and opened up a lead of 17 points in the third quarter. The Buffs scored 24 points in the quarter and didn't allow Adams State to get back within single digits.
Colorado was able to empty the bench in the fourth quarter, getting all 15 active players in the game. Mikayla Johnson closed the game with a jumper in the final minute to push the Buffs lead to 24 by the final whistle.
Up Next
Colorado will turn its attention to the season opener against No. 1 LSU on Nov. 6. The game is part of the Hall of Fame Series and will be played at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.
Quotes
Head Coach JR Payne
On how important is it to get those reps against that kind of defense - "We would love to see every type of defense, even the run and jump where they were coming and trapping a little bit. We need to see some of those different things. So that was good. I thought we settled down and did what we were supposed to do. Understanding our reads and where we're looking to get the ball."
On what it was like seeing Mikayla Johnson come in and make a few plays - "It was great. The last couple of weeks, all of our freshmen were going through that transition. It's a big jump to how fast we're playing, how physical we're playing, just the daily demands of what we're asking and things like that. The last couple of weeks Mikayla has been great in practice, and locked in on being able to just control what she can control. I thought she played really well defensively. She was in a stance, she was contesting shots, fighting through screens, just the basic stuff, which is the most important thing you know for a young player. Just be solid on the basics."
Senior Frida Formann
On playing a different type of team - "It was good, my shot wasn't really falling as well as I wanted it to either. So just trying to get to something else just taking what the defense gave me, I think it's great. And whenever Maddie is in she pulls the defense out and gets more space."
On the team chemistry – "I think the team chemistry is really good. We just have so many pieces it's kind of a whirlwind right now with matchups. Sara and I, for example, played multiple positions today. Just getting that down and feeling comfortable with that is different than if you have good chemistry. I think we need to get settled in our roles. But I think our chemistry on and off the court is really good."
Senior Sara-Rose Smith
On her first game as a Buff
"Yeah, it's the first time I've hit the floor with the team. I didn't play in any of the scrimmages. It was just a fun experience to finally get out there – just playing with such a strong group of girls as well. I have thrived to be in this environment and it's just really exciting for what's coming for the rest of the year."
The 20th-ranked Buffs had four players in double figures led by senior Frida Formann's 16 points. Colorado shot 50% from the field on the day and opened up the lead in the first half after a more closely contested first 20 minutes of play.
Adams State proved to be a pesky matchup for the Buffs as the smaller Grizzlies kept with CU for most of the first half.
"I think Alex [Earl], our assistant said at best. It wasn't our best game, but at least we got our first game out of the way," head coach JR Payne said. "Ironically, that really small team is much more difficult for us to play against. They're totally different matchups than we ever see. That was good for us to have a different type of challenge in our opening game. I think we'll turn on the film and see that we did a lot of good things and also a lot of things that we still need to improve. That's why you play an exhibition game. Glad it's over and we're ready for the season."
Adams State was paced by Harmanie Dominguez and her 17 points. She hit five of ASU's eight 3-pointers. The Grizzlies shot 38.1% from behind the arc and had six of their 3's come in first three quarters.
"I think we'll turn on the film and see that we we're not playing as clean as we want to play," Payne continued. "It's kind of clunky at times. We need to be able to transition from our transition offense into our half-court offense a little bit more smoothly. Like I said at the beginning, I'm glad the first is game over because usually, you can sort of knock off some of the rust and things just get better with time."
How it happened
The Buffs and Grizzlies were back and forth in the opening quarter, trading the lead six times in the first 10 minutes. The Buffs trailed by five midway through the quarter due in large to Adams State's offensive efficiency. The Grizzlies opened the day 7-for-15 from the field and hit two 3's, while the Buffs struggled from behind the arc early.
Colorado opened the second quarter with a 3-point play from Sherrod to break the 18-18 tie. Adams State kept with the Buffs early in the quarter, taking a 24-23 lead. CU responded with four consecutive free throws from Formann that kicked off a 15-3 run to close that closed the half with CU in front 38-27.
CU started 5-for-5 out of the break and opened up a lead of 17 points in the third quarter. The Buffs scored 24 points in the quarter and didn't allow Adams State to get back within single digits.
Colorado was able to empty the bench in the fourth quarter, getting all 15 active players in the game. Mikayla Johnson closed the game with a jumper in the final minute to push the Buffs lead to 24 by the final whistle.
Up Next
Colorado will turn its attention to the season opener against No. 1 LSU on Nov. 6. The game is part of the Hall of Fame Series and will be played at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.
Quotes
Head Coach JR Payne
On how important is it to get those reps against that kind of defense - "We would love to see every type of defense, even the run and jump where they were coming and trapping a little bit. We need to see some of those different things. So that was good. I thought we settled down and did what we were supposed to do. Understanding our reads and where we're looking to get the ball."
On what it was like seeing Mikayla Johnson come in and make a few plays - "It was great. The last couple of weeks, all of our freshmen were going through that transition. It's a big jump to how fast we're playing, how physical we're playing, just the daily demands of what we're asking and things like that. The last couple of weeks Mikayla has been great in practice, and locked in on being able to just control what she can control. I thought she played really well defensively. She was in a stance, she was contesting shots, fighting through screens, just the basic stuff, which is the most important thing you know for a young player. Just be solid on the basics."
Senior Frida Formann
On playing a different type of team - "It was good, my shot wasn't really falling as well as I wanted it to either. So just trying to get to something else just taking what the defense gave me, I think it's great. And whenever Maddie is in she pulls the defense out and gets more space."
On the team chemistry – "I think the team chemistry is really good. We just have so many pieces it's kind of a whirlwind right now with matchups. Sara and I, for example, played multiple positions today. Just getting that down and feeling comfortable with that is different than if you have good chemistry. I think we need to get settled in our roles. But I think our chemistry on and off the court is really good."
Senior Sara-Rose Smith
On her first game as a Buff
"Yeah, it's the first time I've hit the floor with the team. I didn't play in any of the scrimmages. It was just a fun experience to finally get out there – just playing with such a strong group of girls as well. I have thrived to be in this environment and it's just really exciting for what's coming for the rest of the year."
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Basketball
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/ Women's Basketball
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