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DES MOINES, IA -- One of the ugliest demons that the Colorado Buffaloes faced this season reared its ugly head again today in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, as a long second half scoring drought cost Colorado a nine point halftime lead, and as a result, their season.
Rodney Purvis and Daniel Hamilton lead the second half charge for the Huskies with a combined 26 points. UConn outscored Colorado by 13 in the second half, and that was the difference in the game.
Colorado wasted no time getting out in front of the Huskies, as George King blocked Daniel Hamilton's opening jumper and set the tone for the rest of the first half. Xavier Talton was a big part of the early attack for the team, contributing five points before he sat down with two fouls.
As usual, Josh Scott was the best player on the floor for Colorado, tallying 13 points and four rebounds. However, he was also the poster boy for the free throw shooting woes that plagued the Buffs all game long. The team fought their way to a nine point halftime lead thanks to a strong all around performance, especially on the glass and the defensive end. Every time UConn tried to make a run, Colorado was able to answer.
However, the second half was a different story. Right from the start, UConn was in control. Rodney Purvis and as the Huskies ended Colorado's season. In his last game for the University of Colorado, Josh Scott did everything he could to get his team the win, with 23 points and 11 rebounds.
"I wouldn't say they did anything differently as much as I think I just missed shots, Scott said of the second half shift. "Credit them. They're a good defensive team, and I knew they were going to be ready for me and they were. I just tried to play my game."
Colorado finishes the season with a 22-12 record, and UConn advances to take on the winner of Kansas/Austin Peay. For Colorado fans, it's now officially football season.