Why the Buffs won: They were composed in crunch time, making big plays on offense and defense down the stretch to overcome some miscues early in the game. In particular, CU limited late turnovers and went 8-for-15 from the floor in the fourth quarter.

Three stars

1. CU’s Tabitha Betson: Had the best game of her freshman season, with a season-high 16 points, as well as seven rebounds.

2. CU’s Kennedy Sanders: She was clutch late, scoring seven of her 14 points in the fourth quarter. She also had two assists and two rebounds.

3. Arizona’s Skylar Jones: Finished with a game-high 17 points.

Up next: The Buffs will face top-seeded and No. 8-ranked TCU in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City, Mo., on Friday (12:30 p.m., ESPNU).