Colorado vs. California basketball

Sophomore forward Andre Roberson blocks the shot of Cal's David Kravish during the first half of the Buffaloes' 70-57 victory over the Bears on Senior Day at the Coors Events Center. (Photo/Patrick Ghidossi)

Former CU greats and current NBA players Alec Burks, Cory Higgins, and Chauncey Billups take in the action during the second half of the Buffaloes' 70-57 victory over the California Bears on Sunday, February 26, 2012. (Photo/Patrick Ghidossi)

Senior Carlon Brown rises and fires over Cal's Allen Crabbe during the second half of the Buffaloes' 70-57 victory over the Bears on Senior Day at the Coors Events Center. (Photo/Patrick Ghidossi)

Tad Boyle embraces senior Nate Tomlinson as Tomlinson and fellow senior Austin Dufault (33) check out for the final time at the Coors Events Center in the final seconds of the Buffaloes' 70-57 victory over the California Bears on Sunday, February 26, 2012. (Photo/Patrick Ghidossi)

Senior Day is always an emotional occasion. For Nate Tomlinson and Austin Dufault, it was particularly poignant. These two have gone from seeing the Coors Events and Conference Center almost filled to capacity with empty seats, to being instrumental pieces in filling that same keg to capacity with raucous, cheering fans.

Following the whipping at the hands of the Stanford Cardinal, the Buffs rebounded spectacularly and shut down the Pac-12 conference leaders on both ends of the floor. CU held Lincoln High School product and NBA prospect Jorge Gutierrez to zero points and only two assists on the night. 

Heading to Oregon the Buffs have a chance to lock down a first round bye in the Pac-12 Tournament and clinch their second straight 20-win season.