Colorado Upsets LSU in Season Opener: What You Need to Know
Buffaloes Take Down Tigers in Hall of Fame Series Game
No. 20 Colorado shocked top-ranked LSU with a 92-78 victory in their season-opening Hall of Fame Series game on Monday night in Las Vegas. Here are the key takeaways from the game:
Standout Performances by Colorado
The Buffaloes were led by senior guard Frida Formann, who scored 27 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out five assists. Junior Aaronette Vonleh also had an impressive game with 24 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
Tigers’ Scoring Leaders
Freshman Mikaylah Williams led the Tigers in scoring with 17 points, while preseason All-American Angel Reese contributed 15 points and 12 rebounds.
LSU’s Season Opener Struggles
LSU becomes the fourth defending champion in women’s Division I history to lose their season opener and the first since 1995-96 (UConn), according to ESPN Stats & Info.
This Result Wasn’t a Surprise
Despite LSU’s strong offseason acquisitions, including the top-ranked high-school class and talented transfers, head coach Kim Mulkey acknowledged that her team wouldn’t go undefeated. Colorado, a team that reached the Sweet 16 last year and returned its core players, executed their game plan perfectly and capitalized on LSU’s discomfort.
LSU’s Struggles in the Paint
Colorado’s Aaronette Vonleh outperformed Angel Reese, the reigning Final Four most outstanding player, in the paint. Reese, who played alongside another rim-protecting center last season, struggled to find her rhythm with four perimeter players. Colorado dominated the paint-scoring battle and limited Reese’s impact.
Adjustments for LSU
Despite the loss, LSU found some positives in freshman Mikaylah Williams’ strong performance and Sa’Myah Smith’s contributions off the bench. The Tigers may benefit from establishing more continuity in their starting lineup and experimenting with a bigger lineup to improve their defense.
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(Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie / USA Today)