November 12th 2024.
The Colorado women's basketball team is off to a new start this year, with a nearly completely new roster. Despite this, Coach JR Payne was encouraged by the group's qualities, especially their strong 3-point shooting abilities. However, in their first three games of the season, this hasn't translated to success on game days.
On Tuesday, the Buffs will face off against Nevada in a neutral site game at Lake Tahoe. Their main focus will be on improving their 3-point shooting performance. In their previous game against Boise State, the Buffs went 0 for 17 from 3-point range, breaking a streak of 125 consecutive games with at least one made 3-pointer. Overall, they have only made 8 out of 47 attempts this season, with an abysmal 1 for 27 record in their two road games.
Coach Payne expressed her disappointment with the team's performance, stating that they need to shoot better. She acknowledged that while some shots may have been rushed or taken late in the shot clock, overall, the team is getting decent looks. However, they need to be able to convert those opportunities into points. The team also seemed disjointed on the court, and Coach Payne stressed the importance of figuring out why and finding solutions.
The absence of senior Frida Formann, the program's career leader in made 3-pointers, has been a factor in the team's struggles. However, there are other good shooters on the team who just haven't been able to find their rhythm. Lior Garzon, who transferred from Oklahoma State, has a career 3-point shooting percentage of 34.2% and has made 244 3-pointers, but has only made 2 out of 16 attempts so far this season. Johanna Teder, who shot 33.6% from 3-point range in her three seasons at Washington State, is 1 for 4 this year. Even veteran players like Kindyll Wetta and Sarah-Rose Smith, as well as freshman Tabitha Betson, have struggled with their shooting.
In addition to their poor 3-point shooting, the Buffs also missed 14 layups in their game against Boise State. While they did make 7 out of 8 free throws, their overall free throw percentage this season is only 63.8%. This has contributed to their average of 61.3 points per game, with only 51.5 points scored in their two road games.
Coach Payne emphasized the need for the team to improve their shooting, stating that they have to be able to put the ball in the hoop. She also highlighted the importance of addressing the areas where they're missing early looks and finding ways to create better opportunities.
The Buffs will be facing Nevada, a team that they are projected to beat according to the Mountain West Conference standings. However, the Wolf Pack has already played two tough games, including a 76-58 loss against Oregon. They have a mix of returning players and new additions, including former Washington State player Ula Motuga, who is now an assistant coach for Nevada.
The Buffs will have to work on their shooting and find a way to score more points in order to come out on top in this match-up. Despite their early struggles, they have been able to limit their opponents' scoring and shooting percentages. They'll have to continue this defensive effort while also finding a way to improve their own offensive game. As Coach Payne stated, "The bottom line is we have to be able to put the ball in the hoop."
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