Buffs basketball snatch win in Utah

The Colorado men’s basketball team now sits in third in the Pac-12 after beating the University of Utah.

The Buffs struggled, but still beat the Utes (5-21, 2-12 Pac-12) 55-48 Saturday afternoon in Salt Lake City. Colorado is now 18-8, and 10-4 in the Pac-12.

The Buffs shot 35.8 percent, only making 2-of-11 3-point attempts and 15-of-19 free throws. The Utes shot 35.7 percent, including 6-of-19 3-pointers. Utah struggled getting to the free-throw line, only making two of their three attempts.

The game kicks off on Jan. 21 in the Coors Events Center against Arizona in this file photo. In Utah on Saturday the Buffs defeated the Utes 55-48. (CU Independent File/Kai Casey)

Utah’s junior center Jason Washburn led all scorers with 16 points, and grabbed 10 rebounds. Junior guard Chris Hines had 12 points.

The Buffs were led by sophomore forward Andre Roberson who had 12 points and 16 rebounds. Senior forward Austin Dufault scored 11 points and grabbed nine rebounds.

Both teams struggled offensively early on, with the Buffs grabbing a 5-4 lead with 9:18 left in the first half. The teams picked up speed from there, and the Buffs led 22-19 at half time.

The second half saw the Buffs try to break the game open, stretching their lead to nine points, but Utah hung around and tied the game at 40 with 6:25 left. A late push and clutch free throws by the Buffs helped to secure the victory.

The Buffs return to Boulder for their next few games. They will take on the Stanford Cardinals at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23, and the California Bears at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26.

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Mark McNeillie at Mark.mcneillie@colorado.edu.

Statistics courtesy of the University of Colorado Sports Information Department.