CU Buffs women's basketball set for rematch with West Virginia

Colorado to face No. 15 West Virginia in Big 12 Tournament semifinal just 18 hours after upsetting Baylor

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The Colorado Buffaloes women's basketball team, seeded sixth, has reached the Big 12 Tournament semifinals for the third time in the past five seasons after upsetting third-seeded Baylor on Friday night. The Buffs will now face second-seeded and 15th-ranked West Virginia, who they lost to earlier this season, in a quick turnaround on Saturday afternoon.

Why it matters

Colorado is looking to reach the Big 12 championship game for the first time since winning the inaugural title in 1997. The Buffs have a chance to avenge an earlier loss to West Virginia and continue their tournament run, which has already included a big upset over Baylor.

The details

Colorado defeated Baylor 61-55 in the quarterfinals on Friday night, holding the Bears to just 3-for-21 shooting from 3-point range. The Buffs will now face a West Virginia team that is 8-1 in its last nine games, including a 61-55 win over Colorado on Feb. 4. That was a game the Buffs felt they let slip away, as it was close throughout before West Virginia scored the final three points.

  • The Colorado-West Virginia semifinal game will tip off around 4:30 p.m. MT on Saturday, roughly 18 hours after Colorado's win over Baylor.
  • Colorado last won the Big 12 championship in 1997, the inaugural year of the tournament.

The players

JR Payne

The head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes women's basketball team.

Desiree Wooten

A guard for the Colorado Buffaloes women's basketball team.

Jordan Harrison

A first-team All-Big 12 guard and the conference defensive player of the year for West Virginia.

Gia Cooke

A top scorer for the West Virginia Mountaineers women's basketball team, averaging 14.9 points per game.

Taliah Scott

The second-leading scorer in the Big 12 this season, averaging 20.0 points per game for Baylor.

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What they’re saying

“Well, you see I'm drinking an energy drink at 11 o'clock at night. So, um, lots of film. These guys (the players) will rest and sleep; and sleep in a little bit. Then for coaches, yeah, just lots of film and preparation and game planning, and just get excited to go again tomorrow.”

— JR Payne, Head Coach (timescall.com)

“Super happy. I think that's the big thing about the Big 12 Tournament is, like, teams that you might have slipped up on during the season, you get another shot at them. They're a great team, so we'll have a good game plan and we'll be ready for them.”

— Zyanna Walker, Player (timescall.com)

“Lock her up.”

— Desiree Wooten, Player (timescall.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.