Ducks Survive Colorado Rally, 73-60

An inspired second half effort wasn't enough to mask a dismal first half, as Colorado fell on the road to Oregon, 73-60.

Colorado jumped out to a quick 11-4 lead at the first media timeout, but a 28-7 Oregon run spanning 13 minutes in the middle of the first half quickly put the Buffs behind the eight ball. The Ducks' light three-quarter court press forced Colorado into turnovers, and rushed offensive possessions. After scoring 11 points in the first 3:36, Colorado scored just 11 points in the remaining 16:24 of the first half.

Colorado shot a meager 28.3 percent in the first 20 minutes, and recorded just two assists, compared to eight turnovers.

CU showed signs of life in the second half. An 8-0 run cut the deficit to nine with 12:08 to play. Xavier Johnson stuck a corner three with 4:13 to play to get within five points. But Colorado couldn't close key defensive possessions with rebounds in the second half.

One of those defensive possessions came with just under four minutes to play. Up by just five points, Oregon was able to snag three offensive boards, and hit a three on their fourth field goal attempt of the possession to extend the lead to eight.

Askia Booker scored 20 points, spearheading Colorado's second half charge. Josh Scott was an animal on the glass, snagging 17 rebounds, and scoring 10 points. Wesley Gordon added 14 points.

Colorado falls to under .500 (12-13) for the second time this season. The Buffs will have to top a much-improved Oregon State squad on Saturday night to get back to .500 on the season.