If nothing else, this Colorado Buffaloes team has been a ton of fun to watch through six games, and it’s even more fun when they win. They did just that on Sunday in their Pac-12 opener against Stanford. Five Buffs ended the night in double figures to secure an 80-76 nailbiter win.
Evan Battey provided another memorable moment late in the second half when he scored his 1,000th career point on an inside move layup. The senior finished with a career-high 22 points.
We also saw standout performances from Tristan da Silva and Jabari Walker, who recorded his third consecutive double-double.
Here’s what these standout Buffs and head coach Tad Boyle had to say following the win:
Evan Battey
On scoring his 1,00th point at home: It was special. It’s better to do at home than on the road, but I can’t really find words and I’m just wanting to get wins. I’m not worried about the individual stats. Instead, I’m worried about us winning games.
On where this game ranks in his career: I’ve had so many memorable games here. Looking back over the years, I’m very blessed to have teammates who found me the ball and teammates who were willing to throw it to me in the post and kick it out to me.
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Jabari Walker
On what CU did defensively down the stretch: We had to box out, I think that was the number one key that we had out there today. They got a lot of second-chance points, even when we gave contested shots on them.
Tristan da Silva
On turning the Buffs turning the ball over over just six times: That was big for us, taking teams out of transition, not giving them these buckets is really important for us and also executing on offense. If we turn the ball over, there’s no chance we can get a shot up.
Tad Boyle
On how the win helps Colorado with UCLA and Tennessee on deck: That’s why tonight’s game was so important for this young team. Those games are not going to be easy. Our players look forward to those. I appreciate that, but I know as a coach how good UCLA is.
The Buffaloes have their biggest challenge yet on Wednesday when they face UCLA at the Pauley Pavilion.