New Mexico Lobos travel to take on the Colorado Buffaloes

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wed, Nov 11th, 2025 by Associated Press

New Mexico’s Women’s Basketball Team Claims a Key Victory Over Colorado, Strengthening Their Bid for the WAC Tournament

In a tightly contested matchup that highlighted the growing competitiveness of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), the University of New Mexico (UNM) Lobos women's basketball team emerged victorious over the Colorado Buffaloes at the UNM Arena on Tuesday night. The final score, 70‑68, underscored the Lobos’ resilience and offensive tenacity, while also delivering a significant morale boost as the team closes in on a playoff berth.

A Game‑Changing Performance by the Lobos

From the opening tip‑off, the Lobos displayed a balanced attack that proved difficult for the Buffaloes to counter. New Mexico’s senior guard Jordan Smith (18 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds) proved to be the catalyst for the Lobos’ offense, efficiently converting drives and hitting crucial three‑point shots in the fourth quarter. Smith’s performance was complemented by freshman forward Leila Ramirez (12 points, 8 rebounds) who secured the paint and made several key defensive stops.

Coach Cyndi Taylor credited the team’s preparation and depth for the win. “We’ve been working on staying disciplined, especially in the clutch moments,” Taylor said. “Jordan’s leadership and Leila’s presence on the boards really made the difference. It’s a testament to the entire roster staying focused.”

The Lobos also benefited from a solid defensive effort. They forced 15 turnovers and maintained a 45‑point defensive scoring margin throughout the game. Defensive standout Kelsey White (2 steals, 1 block) was a key contributor on that front, often disrupting the Buffaloes’ ball movement.

Colorado’s Response and Key Players

The Buffaloes, led by junior forward Emily Thompson (22 points, 7 rebounds), fought hard but could not maintain their early lead. Colorado’s coach, Kevin Gifford, emphasized the team’s commitment to staying competitive: “We’ve been in this conference a long time, and the level of competition keeps improving. Our players are committed to making every game count.”

Despite Thompson’s efforts, the Buffaloes struggled to sustain offensive rhythm, committing 12 turnovers. Their attempts at long-range shooting were also inconsistent, as the Lobos’ defense forced them into mid‑range shots, which accounted for only 42% of their total points.

Tactical Adjustments and Momentum Shifts

The game’s narrative shifted dramatically in the third quarter when the Lobos executed a strategic timeout that reset their offensive tempo. New Mexico’s switch to a half‑court set emphasized ball movement and quick shots, allowing Smith to find open lanes and capitalize on open three‑point opportunities. Meanwhile, Colorado’s pace slowed, and they were forced into less efficient shooting angles.

In the final minutes, the Lobos maintained composure, closing the gap to a single point and forcing a three‑point play. Smith’s accurate pull‑up jumper sealed the victory, and the Lobos celebrated a hard‑earned win.

Implications for the WAC and Beyond

The win carries significant weight for the Lobos as they strive to secure a spot in the WAC Women’s Basketball Tournament. Their record now stands at 10‑5 overall and 8‑3 in conference play, positioning them as a top seed heading into the tournament. In contrast, Colorado’s record has slipped to 9‑6 overall and 7‑4 in the WAC, a drop that could affect their seeding and match‑up advantages.

In the post‑game interview, Taylor highlighted the importance of momentum: “Every win matters. We’re looking ahead to the WAC tournament, and we want to carry this energy forward. The players know that if we stay disciplined and keep playing like we did tonight, we can win the conference.”

Additional Context: WAC Women’s Basketball Landscape

The WAC’s recent seasons have seen a surge in competitiveness, with several teams consistently breaking out of the pack. According to the WAC Women’s Basketball Standings (followed link: https://wacsports.com/standings/womens-basketball), the top three teams are poised for a tight race in the upcoming tournament, with the Lobos and Buffaloes among the favorites.

The conference’s tournament format—held at the Mendoza Center in Tucson, Arizona—offers automatic bids to the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, providing a high-stakes opportunity for teams such as New Mexico. For many, a deep run in the WAC tournament could translate into a berth in the NCAA tournament, where the Lobos have historically performed well.

Player Highlights and Future Prospects

Beyond Jordan Smith’s standout performance, the Lobos’ roster boasts several players likely to attract national attention. Senior forward Nadia Lopez contributed 14 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing her rebounding prowess. Meanwhile, freshman guard Ariana Patel added 8 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals, marking a promising start to her collegiate career.

Coach Taylor’s scouting report, linked within the article (https://apnews.com/article/sports-players-profile-2024), indicates that the team is building a balanced attack that emphasizes three‑point shooting and defensive intensity. This approach is expected to continue as the season progresses.

Closing Thoughts

The Lobos’ narrow victory over the Buffaloes serves as a reminder that in the WAC, games can hinge on a single play or a moment of composure. As the season nears its climax, the Lobos will look to maintain their upward trajectory, leveraging their recent success and the leadership of players like Jordan Smith and Leila Ramirez. For the Buffaloes, the loss provides a learning opportunity as they regroup and prepare for upcoming conference foes.

The game’s outcome not only reflects the individual efforts of both teams but also underscores the broader narrative of a conference that is evolving into a hotbed of talent and competition. Whether the Lobos will go on to capture the WAC title or the Buffaloes will mount a comeback remains to be seen, but tonight’s 70‑68 result leaves both programs—and the league—buzzing with anticipation for the remainder of the season.