Seniors come up big in last home game
The Colorado Buffaloes can breathe a little easier for the next few days after getting a much-needed win in their last home game of the season against the Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday.
The Buffs’ three seniors, Richard Roby, Marcus Hall and Marcus King-Stockton, all had exceptional performances on what they said was a special night for all of them.
Hall, who scored a career-high 31 points against the Cyclones (14-15, 4-10), said that performing well in his last home game as a Buff meant a lot to him. He said getting the win meant even more.
“It feels good,” Hall said. “I envisioned a win. That’s what we wanted to do and we got it.”
Hall also tallied eight rebounds, four assists and two steals for the Buffs (11-17, 3-11).
The senior guard said the key to the Buffs’ victory was their ability to maintain focus when their lead was threatened in the second half, something the team has had trouble with all season.
“This was definitely far from the first time we have been in that situation,” Hall said. “We kept our composure, everybody stayed together and trusted everybody else, and that’s what it’s about.”
When it was all said and done, the scoreboard read 67-55 in favor of the Buffs.
Hall was not the only senior to have a special performance in his last game in Coors Events Center in Boulder.
Senior forward King-Stockton anchored the Buffs on the defensive end. He blocked four shots, which tied his career high.
“Coach has done a great job teaching me how to play post defense,” King-Stockton said. “I try to take away one move so I can come back and block the shot.”
The Buffs as a whole played well on defense, which allowed them to hold the Cyclones to only 55 points.
Head coach Jeff Bzdelik said the leadership of his three seniors has been instrumental to instilling a good atmosphere and a competitive spirit in the Buffs.
“All three of these young men have always kept a positive approach,” Bzdelik said. “Their leadership and integrity towards what we want to get done was outstanding. I think that’s why this team, despite the record we have, has continued to play competitively.”
Roby finished the game with 17 points and six rebounds. He remains third on Colorado’s all-time scoring list with 1,924 points, 16 points behind second place.
After the game, the standout senior said he was pleased with the Buffs’ effort on the court.
“I am just proud to be a part of this team,” Roby said. “We just have to keep playing like that, with that kind of intensity.”
Roby said the Buffs’ effort against the Cyclones was what made the win a special one.
“It’s fun when you win, and you know you played your hardest, and you know you earned it,” Roby said. “That was the best part about it.”
The Buffs will have to keep that effort and intensity to get a win against Kansas State (18-9, 8-5), the No. 3 team in the Big 12, on Tuesday in Manhattan, Kan.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Brad Cochi at Bradley.Cochi@thecampuspress.com.
