It was quite fitting that a game between two evenly-matched opponents came down to the final possession. For the Colorado Buffaloes, the impressive defensive effort they showed throughout the Pac-12 tournament proved to be the difference, as they emerged with a 53-51 victory over the Arizona Wildcats. With the win, the Buffs are headed to their first NCAA Tournament since 2003.
As he has done throughout the season, Andre Roberson dominated the game on both ends of the court. Roberson scored 10 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, while forcing Solomon Hill into numerous difficult shots on the defensive end of the court. Roberson had double-doubles in three of the four games in the Pac-12 Tournament, and came up just a rebound short in the win over Cal.
The Wildcats, who likely needed this win to make the NCAA Tournament, struggled offensively throughout the game. Arizona shot just 36.7% from the field as a team and was out-rebounded by 12. The starting backcourt of Nick Johnson and Jordin Mayes combined to shoot just 2/12 in the loss.
For more on the Buffaloes, visit Colorado blog Ralphie Report. Wildcats news and analysis is available at Arizona Desert Swarm. Head over to SB Nation NCAA Basketball for more news and notes around the college hoops world.