LAS VEGAS — LSU women's basketball post players Angel Reese and Aneesah Morrow entered Las Vegas as stars. But it was Colorado's Aaronette Vonleh who was the star of the season-opening show on the Strip.

The No. 1-ranked Tigers had no answer for the Buffs' junior center, who was efficient in the post while Colorado's outside shot came alive to stun LSU, 92-78, in the Hall of Fame Classic Monday night inside the T-Mobile Arena.

Frida Foreman hit seven 3's en route to 27 points while Vonleh scored 24 with five boards.

Reese did record a double-double, 15 points and 12 rebounds but she couldn't take over the game like she did for the team countless times last season.

Colorado shot the lights out in Las Vegas on LSU women's basketball

Because of Colorado's ability inside, things opened up outside and it made LSU severely pay.

Led by Foremann's seven triples, the Buffalos hit 10 3's in a dominate shooting display. LSU freshman MiKaylah Williams led LSU with 17 points on 8-of-16 shooting, but she only hit one 3-pointer.

LSU let down by defensive miscommunication in first half, couldn't get out of hole with foul trouble

Players talked about Colorado's offensive push leading up to the game, but the execution of the scouting report was lacking in the first two quarters.

Early on, the Buffs feasted off the pick-and-roll as LSU'd bigs were slow to roll off the screens. Colorado outscored LSU in the paint, 22 to 18 in the first half.

Once Mulkey got her squad cleaned up, its transition defense drooped and its on-ball defense at the guard position as well. LSU got turnovers, but had a hard time finishing and converting those into points. That led to plenty of foul trouble across the board for the Tigers as Flau'jae Johnson, Reese and Morrow each ended the game with four.

LSU's early struggles on defense were a surprise as Mulkey's teams sport a strong foundation on that side of the ball. LSU closed within seven a couple of times but Colorado would stretch the lead back out.

LSU STARTERS Who will Kim Mulkey start for LSU women's basketball vs. Colorado in season opener?

HAILEY VAN LITH, ANEESAH MORROW Kim Mulkey: Hailey Van Lith, Aneesah Morrow debut with LSU women's basketball went well

Hailey Van Lith, Aneesah Morrow LSU debuts

Tale of two different debuts for the LSU's standout transfers.

Hailey Van Lith shined early, scoring six with four assists in the first quarter and was making plays on both ends of the floor. But as the game progressed, Van Lith faded a bit, managing a six points the rest of the way. She's still learning the point guard role, but did some good things distributing the ball with five dishes.

Morrow found herself in foul trouble in the first half and spent extended minutes on the bench. As a result, she struggled to hit shots both inside and outside. She finished with six points and four rebounds.

Kim Mulkey coached team drops rare season opener

During her long career, Kim Mulkey coached teams starting seasons 0-1 has been a rarity.

Mulkey hasn't lost a season opener since 2009 to Tennessee. Her only other season-opening loss is to, oddly enough, LSU legend Seimone Augustus and company Mulkey's Baylor team to open the 2004-05 team.

Cory Diaz covers the LSU Tigers and Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his Tigers and Cajuns coverage on Twitter: @ByCoryDiaz. Got questions regarding LSU/UL athletics? Send them to Cory Diaz at bdiaz@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: No. 1 LSU women's basketball shell-shocked by Colorado in opener