The Buffs took a step toward a postseason appearance after a key road victory.
More than 8,000 were in attendance at the United Spirit Arena as Colorado defeated the Texas Tech Red Raiders 71-68 on Wednesday night in Lubbock, Texas.
With the win the Buffs improve to 17-11, posting a 6-7 mark in Big 12 play. The Red Raiders fell to 12-16 overall and 4-9 in the Big 12.
The win is only the third road win for the Buffs, and only their second in conference play.
Senior guard Levi Knutson led the Buffs with 18 points, while sophomore guard Alec Burks threw in 14 points and 8 rebounds. Senior guards Marcus Relphorde scored 15 points while Cory Higgins added 12 points.
Freshman guard Andre Roberson led all rebounds for the Buffs with 9 boards on the game. Overall, the Buffs outrebounded the Red Raiders 40-34.
Knutson showed he could get it done on the court and in the classroom, as he was named the second-team Academic All-American by Capital One on Tuesday.
“We really have grown up obviously and played better down the stretch than we did against Baylor,” head coach Tad Boyle said, comparing the game to CU’s 70-66 loss at Baylor on Jan. 29. ”Tonight, we handled it, kept our composure, executed and made shots when we had to make shots.”
Now a game shy of hitting the .500 mark in conference play, the Buffs will look for an upset against the No. 5 ranked Texas Longhorns, who arrive Saturday at the Coors Event Center after toppling the Iowa State Cyclones Tuesday.
Tip-off is at 2 p.m. in Boulder.
Contact CU Independent Sports Editor Esteban L. Hernandez at Esteban.hernandez@colorado.edu.
