Why the Buffs lost: Foul trouble proved to be a difference-maker, as Cincinnati attempted 22 more free throws than the Buffs. CU also got cold from the floor late in the game, missing 14 of its last 20, and struggled on the boards in the second half.

Three stars:

1. Cincinnati’s Tineya Hylton: Finished with a game-high 27 points, including going 10-of-12 from the free throw line. She had 18 of her points in the fourth quarter and also had three steals.

2. Colorado’s Jade Masogayo: Led the Buffs with 16 points on 8-of-12 shooting. She also led the team with seven rebounds and two blocked shots.

3. Cincinnati’s Alliance Ndiba: Posted nine points, 12 rebounds and four blocked shots. She had nine offensive rebounds.

Up next: CU will host No. 11 Kansas State on Jan. 25 at the CU Events Center (1 p.m., ESPN+).