Stunner: CU Buffs knock off No. 2 Arizona:
Evan Battey’s farewell to the CU Events Center was destined to be an emotional one.The Buffs sent their popular senior out in style on Saturday night, topping No. 2 Arizona 79-63 in a thriller at the Events Center. Two nights after one of CU’s most frustrating performances of the season, the Buffs put it all together while matching the highest-ranked victory in program history.
CU blitzed Arizona after halftime, using an 11-2 run early in the second half to regain the lead. CU pushed its lead to 63-50 with a 9-0 run, but the Wildcats scored seven straight to get back within six points with 5 minutes, 28 seconds left. But Keeshawn Barthelemy turned the momentum back to the Buffs for good with a clutch three-point play with 5:14 remaining, beginning a 12-2 Buffs run that clinched the win.
Jabari Walker extended his Pac-12-leading total of double-doubles to 15, finishing with 15 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. Tristan da Silva went 7-for-10 and scored a game-high 19 points while Barthelemy, who came off the bench for the first time this season, recorded 15 points. CU shot .655 after halftime and finished with an overall mark of .484, while Arizona went 1-for-11 on 3-pointers in the second. The Buffs also outrebounded Arizona, the Pac-12’s leader in average rebound margin, 35-33. The Buffs finished 13-for-15 at the free throw line.A.Tubelis 3-9 7-8 13, Koloko 1-5 2-5 4, Kriisa 1-6 2-2 5, Terry 2-6 0-0 5, Mathurin 3-11 4-4 12, Larsson 4-6 1-1 9, Kier 3-4 2-2 9, Ballo 3-4 0-0 6. Totals 20-51 18-22 63.