Colorado Basketball Recap: Buffs spoil Stanford’s Senior Night, win 70-53

The Colorado Buffaloes, behind a big second-half, complete the sweep of a three-game road trip by defeating the Stanford Cardinal on their Senior Night, 70-53.

With the win, the Buffs improve to 18-9, 10-7 on the season.

This honestly seemed like one of those games Colorado was going to lose just by the way the first half was playing out. Stanford missed some shots yet got rebound after rebound, collecting second-chance points.

The Buffs trailed Stanford 31-29 at the half as Tad Boyle was left befuddled going into the locker room. Freshman Julian Hammond III forgot to step up on a screen that ultimately led to a Jaiden Delaire wide-open three pointer, giving Stanford the lead.

Let’s just say, whatever Boyle said to his guys in the locker room at the half worked.

The Buffs went on to outscore the Cardinal 41-20 in the second half led by senior forward Evan Battey. Colorado’s heart and soul scored 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including going a perfect 3-for-3 from distance.

Jabari Walker had a quiet game due to foul trouble in the first half. Colorado’s rising star scored just 10 points on 4-of-4 shooting as his double-double streak was snapped at five.

Colorado got excellent production out of starting shooting guard Nique Clifford. He provided the boost the Buffs so desperately needed when Walker was subbed out due to foul trouble. Clifford scored 14 points on 5-10 shooting while hauling down seven rebounds.

KJ Simpson gave the Buffs a jolt off the bench with 10 points while going 6-of-8 from the charity stripe.

Delaire was the lone Stanford player in double-figures with 12 points.

The Buffs did a really solid job of limiting Harrison Ingram. Stanford’s freshman sensation scored just 2 points on 1-of-9 shooting, recording five rebounds and two steals in the loss.

This was a really important game for Colorado as they head home now and look to take care of business. They have Arizona State on Thursday night followed by a big test against Arizona on Saturday.

It’s going to be a really interesting week in the Pac-12 in regards to seeding as the conference tournament is just around the corner.