Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos via Getty Images
Tristan da Silva scored 20 points and KJ Simpson added a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double to give Colorado a 60-53 win over Boise State to cap the First Four action in the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament.
Colorado’s late 11-0 run, which turned a 49-45 deficit into a 56-49 lead, put this game away.
Da Silva kicked it off with a three-pointer shortly before the under-four timeout. Simpson also scored eight more points down the stretch. The play of this run, though, was courtesy of Eddie Lampkin Jr., whose shot clock-beating putback gave Colorado a 54-49 edge with 33 seconds remaining.
NCAA March Madness @MarchMadnessMBB
Eddie Lampkin beats the buzzer 🚨#MarchMadness @CUBuffsMBB pic.twitter.com/Csi776k23K
Colorado withstood a tremendous rebounding performance from Boise State, which grabbed 41 boards to the Buffaloes’ 30. The Broncos also snatched 19 offensive rebounds.
However, Colorado’s defense (and Boise State’s rough shooting night) led to the Buffaloes’ win. Boise State shot just 34.8 percent from the field and made only 2-of-17 three-pointers. The Broncos also went 4:10 without scoring during the Buffaloes’ aforementioned 11-0 run.
Chibuzo Agbo led Boise State with 17 points, while Roddie Anderson III added 13.
The First Four is now over, meaning March Madness is ready to get going in earnest. Before then, though, fans and analysts praised Colorado’s players and head coach Tad Boyle.
Jeff Goodman @GoodmanHoops
The Pac-12 Swan Song starts off with Colorado beating Boise State.
Buffs are talented enough to win another one against Florida.
Matt Reynoldson @Matt_Reynoldson
Having a difference maker like KJ Simpson means everything in March. Gutsy win for Colorado.
The Pac-12 is 1-0 in the NCAA Tournament.
Jake Shapiro @Shapalicious
Colorado Buffaloes tournament wins under Tad Boyle: 3
Colorado Buffaloes tournament wins in the 47 years before Boyle: 2
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
I like KJ Simpson a lot. Guards who rebound are always going to find a way on my prospect lists.
Nate Kreckman @NateKreckman
KJ Simpson is willing himself into a good game tonight
Sean Paul @SeanPaulCBB
THE COLORADO BUFFS MOVE ON! Colorado will face Florida in the Round of 64. The difference? Colorado’s best players — KJ SImpson and Tristan Da Silva showed up, while OMar Stanley, Tyson Degenhart and Max Rice didn’t. Just a poor offensive night for Boise State at the worst…
Pat Forde @ByPatForde
It’s been a rock fight, but everything is breaking Colorado’s way at the end tonight. Buffs about have this clinched.
Carissa Leitner @alohawildcat
What a play by Eddie Lampkin from @CUBuffsMBB with just over 30 secs to go in this #playin #MarchMadness game – putting CU up 54-49 over Boise St. Cheering on a fellow @pac12 school for this one!!
John Fanta @John_Fanta
Colorado entered tonight with two NCAA Tournament wins to its name since 2012. The Buffaloes are on to Indianapolis to meet Florida on Friday afternoon. Wasn’t pretty, but Tad Boyle’s team shut down Boise State with great defense down the stretch. That’s a unit for the PAC-12!
Matthew Hatfield @hatfieldsports
They do play defense at Colorado after all! #GiveThemTheirThemeMusic
Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
Man Tristan da Silva is a stud. Just a dude that you bet on. Moves super well without the ball. Shoots it. Just an awesome player. Super high IQ and super skilled
Now Colorado, a No. 10 seed, has moved onto the first round to play No. 7 Florida Gators. Tipoff is set for 4:30 p.m. ET on Friday in Indianapolis.
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