Colorado Buffaloes head coach
had his young Buffs ready to go Saturday against the Utah Utes. Colorado rolled Utah from start to finish as they earned their 20th win of the season in their regular season finale.
Evan Battey and Jabari Walker stole the show for Colorado. The two combined for all 17 points for the Buffs to start the game as Battey knocked down three triples and Jabari added a pair of his own.
Battey finished with a game and career-high 27 points on 10-of-17 shooting, collecting six rebounds, two assists, and one steal in the victory. Battey went a solid 6-of-9 from distance and seemed invincible.
Walker added yet another double-double to his resume, finishing the game with 22 points on 7-of-14 shooting, notching 12 rebounds and five assists.
Nique Clifford was the only other Buff in double-figures as he scored 11 points on 5-of-10 shooting.
Boyle went back to what he did last Saturday against Arizona — starting freshman Julian Hammond III at the point guard position with Keeshawn Barthelemy coming off the bench.
Hammond, in 17 minutes, scored three points while adding two rebounds and three assists.
Utes Branden Carlson and David Jenkins Jr. each scored a team-high 18 points. Lazar Stefanovic provided projection off the bench for Utah scoring 12 points on 4-6 shooting, going 2-of-4 from distance.
We can’t talk enough about the progression from Evan Battey.
Seeing his game evolve this season with his three-point shooting has been a treat to watch. After not taking many jumpers his first few years in Boulder, Battey has added another weapon to his offensive game that has helped out his Buffs tremendously.
The Pac-12 Tournament seeding for the Buffs is set as they’ve clinched the fourth seed, giving themselves the much-needed first-round bye. Colorado will face the winner of either Oregon or Oregon State on Thursday, March 10 in Las Vegas.
This is the second straight year in which the Buffs have secured a first-round bye.
It’s time to buckle up because it’s tournament time.