Booker's 27 Boosts Buffaloes Past DePaul, 82-68

Askia Booker scored 27 points and Xavier Johnson added 20 as Colorado rolled into the semifinals of the Diamond Head Classic, defeating DePaul 82-68.

"I think we played well," Booker told AM-760 after the game. "I think we started out the game hot, we were in the gaps, we were rebounding, we were contesting shots."

Colorado jumped to a 17-4 lead to start the game, but DePaul closed the gap to three points at the end of the first half, with the Buffs taking a 36-33 lead into the locker room.

CU started the second half strong and didn't let DePaul back into the game. A monstrous Wesley Gordon dunk assisted by a terrific behind-the-back bounce pass from Booker stretched the CU lead to 55-39, effectively burying the Blue Demons.

In addition to his 27 points, Booker added six assists and six rebounds. Gordon tallied an efficient 11 points on 3-of-3 shooting, and Jaron Hopkins scored 10 points, replacing Xavier Talton in the starting lineup.

Colorado advances to play George Washington, who blew out Ohio 77-49. The semifinal contest will start at 2:30 p.m. MST.