Colorado Stuns Defending Champion LSU in Season-Opening Upset

Colorado, which made the Sweet 16 last season, earned a statement-making victory over Angel Reese, Louisville transfer Hailey Van Lith and the Tigers.

No. 1 and defending champion LSU lost its season opener, falling to No. 20 Colorado 92–78 on Monday night in the Hall of Fame Series.

It’s the first time that the No. 1 team and defending champions lost their opener since the 1995–96 season, when UConn fell to Louisiana Tech, according to ESPN.

Frida Formann scored 27 points and Aaronette Vonleh added 24 to lead Colorado. Jaylyn Sherrod had 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists for the Buffaloes. Mikaylah Williams led LSU with 17 points, Angel Reese had 15 points and 12 rebounds, Sa’Myah Smith scored 16 points and noted Louisville transfer Hailey Van Lith and had 14 points.

Colorado, which made the Sweet 16 last season for the first time since 2003, led most of the way in the convincing, statement-making victory. The Buffaloes, who shot 53%, led by as many as 22 points.

Former LSU star and Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal could only watch from his courtside seat. Also in attendance was Hall of Famer Grant Hill, Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams, former major-league veteran Dexter Fowler and members of the two-time WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces.

Tigers coach Kim Mulkey, known for her extravagant outfits, wore a Las Vegas-themed sequined pantsuit with playing cards, hearts and horseshoes.

LSU came out slow, missing four of its first five shots and committing three turnovers. But the Tigers appeared to finally find their game early in the second quarter in taking a 24–18 lead only to have Colorado going on a 14–1 run to go up seven points. The Buffalos led 38–32 at halftime.

BIG PICTURE

Colorado: The Buffaloes made Reese as uncomfortable as possible, getting physical with the Most Outstanding Player from last season’s Final Four. She finished with a double-double, but shot 6-of-15 and was in foul trouble in the second half.

LSU: The Tigers were handed an early message that repeating might not be so easy. This loss will get their attention better than anything Mulkey, a master motivator who has won seven national championships, could say to her players.