INDIANAPOLIS — The Big Dance is over for the Colorado men’s basketball team.
Despite a valiant second-half comeback by the Buffaloes, CU’s Sweet 16 dreams fell short of the elusive Sweet 16 berth, as second-seeded Marquette held off the Buffs for an 81-77 victory in an NCAA Tournament second-round battle at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
CU rallied from an 11-point halftime deficit to set up a third thrilling tournament-game finish in the past five days, but this time the Buffs fell short.
Related Articles
Keeler: Buffs NCAA Tournament star KJ Simpson is CU’s Jamal Murray. So why won’t NBA teams give him more love?
CU Buffs vs. Marquette: Three keys heading into NCAA Tournament matchup
Keeler: Buffs’ KJ Simpson, Eddie Lampkin Jr. make CU America’s team in NCAA Tournament instant classic
Men’s basketball: KJ Simpson wins it at the buzzer for CU Buffs against Florida
CU Buffs vs. Florida: Three keys heading into NCAA Tournament matchup
Colorado opened the second half with a 10-2 run to get back in the game, and took a brief lead at 55-54 on a KJ Simpson 3-pointer midway through the second half. The Golden Eagles answered with an 8-2 run but CU tied it again at 74-74 on a Tristan da Silva 3-pointer with about 3 minutes left.
Marquette outscored the Buffs 7-3 the rest of the way to end CU’s season.
Simpson finished with 20 points and seven assists, while da Silva scored 17.
This story will be updated
Want more sports news? Sign up for the Sports Omelette to get all our analysis on Denver’s teams.