Why the Buffs won: CU posted its best Big 12 game in terms of defense and rebounding, holding TCU to a .316 mark while outrebounding the Horned Frogs 45-29.

Three stars

1. CU’s Julian Hammond. The senior guard shook off a back injury to put on a show in his final home game, going 3-for-5 on 3-pointers with 19 points and seven assists.

2. CU’s Trevor Baskin. Finished just 3-for-9 with eight points, but he led CU’s dominant effort on the glass with a career-high 16 rebounds.

3. TCU’s Trazarien White. Scored a game-high 21 points to bolster what otherwise was a tough offensive day for the Horned Frogs.

Up next: The Buffs will play either Utah or TCU again in the second first round game at the Big 12 Conference tournament on Tuesday at 1 p.m.