BOULDER – On a day literally named for the senior class, it was a full team effort that got those playing their last game at the Coors Events Center the proper sendoff. Of course, the star of the show, Josh Scott got his usual 15 and six, but it was 17 from a junior in Josh Fortune, 13 from another junior in Tre’Shaun Fletcher, nine in the second half from a sophomore in George King and a balanced effort all around that led the Colorado Buffaloes to a 79-69 over Arizona State win at the Coors Events Center.

“I don’t think there’s one word to describe it,” Scott said of walking off of the home floor one last time. “It was a culmination of four years here with a lot of memories, a lot of struggle, a lot of sweat and a lot of blood all put into one moment.”

There may not be one word to describe the emotions, but how about one word to describe the Buffaloes? Lock. As in the win cemented the Buffs into the field of the NCAA tournament. With a program-high tying 21 regular season victories and an RPI in the 20’s, even two losses to finish the season wouldn’t put them in a bad position on Selection Sunday.

On this particular Sunday, though, it was all about Xavier Talton, Brett Brady, Eli Stalzer and especially Josh Scott. Tears streamed down the faces of many Colorado fans as Scott addressed them for one last time on Sox Walselth Court.

“I just want to thank you guys,” he said to the fans. “It’s been fun and I’m going to miss this place.”

Chances are they’ll miss him more. Just like Tad Boyle.

“If you want to see Tad Boyle get emotional, come to our banquet,” Tad Boyle admitted. “I’ll cry like a little baby. Josh is not only special to me and our staff and his teammates but he’s just special in testate of Colorado. He’s a stud. I keep looking for other adjectives to describe him but he’s the kind of guy you want your son to grow up to be. He’s also a hell of a player to boot.”

For Scott, it hit him hardest when he  was introduced as a starter one last time.

“To be honest, that is what really hit me knowing it was the last time I will hear my name get called out in the Coors Events Center,” he explained. “It was one of those moments where I huddled the team together and just told them, ‘I love you guys.’ I have enjoyed these past four years with them and I am glad we came out with a win, not just for me but the other seniors as well.”

Those other seniors got their moments as well. Talton, like most nights, won’t jump off of the box score at you but he played his usually consistent game and Brady and Stalzer got to hit the floor one last time as well. With just over 30 seconds remaining, Scott called a timeout to get them into the game.

They got in because the team had the game in hand, just the way they wanted it.

“I don’t think people really understand that these guys could have started,” Scott told. “They didn’t because they wanted to win. Not to say that we wouldn’t have won if they did start, but those are the sacrifices that make a team. They sacrificed something that was a special day for them so that we could get the win tonight. There is not enough that can be said about Brett Brady and Eli Stalzer.”

All around it was a truly special day at the Coors Events Center for the team and the more than 10,000 fans in attendance. The seniors got to finish their home careers in style, now they look to finish the rest of it off right.

“I think [Xavier Talton] said it best when he texted me that we are going to go out as winners,” said Scott. “That is the plan and it has been the goal. We are going to take the mojo and what we have learned from this entire season on a final push.”

That final push begins this week when they head to Salt Lake City with a chance to avenge their only home loss on the season.

HIGHLIGHTS

JOSH SCOTT WE'LL MISS YOU. #12Best https://t.co/k2hVIcvtxG

— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) February 28, 2016

The non-seniors were on point from downtown to send the seniors out in style. Buffs win, 79-69. #GoBuffs #RollTadhttps://t.co/VCLYsWiBpz

— Colorado Buffaloes (@CUBuffs) February 29, 2016

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Josh Fortune

Would be fitting to have Scott, who has seemingly taken this honor every night this year, to get it on his big day but there is no denying Josh Fortune today.

Fortune played arguably his best game as a Buffalo with efficiency being the key. The Providence transfer was 6-of-8 from the floor, including 2-of-3 from behind the arc while adding in four assists and three steals, as well.

The junior is hitting his stride at the right time for Colorado, if he can stay hot he could be an essential piece to a deep run in the Buffaloes upcoming tournaments.

QUOTE OF THE GAME

Tad: You'd think at some points this season that we were five games under .500 with the way fans react.
(Co-signed)

— RK (@RyanKoenigsberg) February 28, 2016

BY THE NUMBERS

2 – This was the Buffaloes second-consecutive game with single-digit turnovers.

21 – This marks only the third time in program history the team has won 21 regular season games, a program record.

145,180 – The total season attendance at the Coors Events Center, good enough for fourth in the conference.

WHAT’S NEXT

Colorado travels to Utah to take on the Utes, a chance to set the program record for regular season victories.