Colorado outlasts Boise State 60-53 in NCAA First Four matchup

The Buffaloes advance to play 7th-seeded Florida on Friday in Indianapolis

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Tristan da Silva had 20 points to lead Colorado to a 60-53 win over Boise State Wednesday in the NCAA First Four at UD Arena. The Buffaloes were making their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2021. 

MOVING ON 🦬#GoBuffs | #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/aEm0vF0hQC

— Colorado Men's Basketball (@CUBuffsMBB) March 21, 2024

A defensive battle in the first half saw Colorado pull ahead 23-18 when Luke O’Brien was fouled on a made layup with 2:42 remaining in the first half. O’Brien would drain the ensuing free throw to give the Buffaloes a six-point lead. Colorado led 26-24 at the break after the Boise State closed with a 6-2 run. The 24 points by the Broncos were the fewest they scored in a half this season. Da Silva led all scorers with 14 points at halftime. 

The Buffaloes jumped out to a seven-point lead when KJ Simpson made a layup at the 15:58 mark of the second half. However, the Broncos came roaring back to take a 49-45 lead on a Chibuzo Agbo jumper with 4:32 remaining. Colorado needed a rally and put the game out of reach with an 11-0 run that was capped off by a pair of J’Vonne Hadley free throws with 0:24 seconds left. Da Silva carried the load, along with KJ Simpson who finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Eddie Lampkin Jr. 13 points, six rebounds and three assists. 

"We played with unbelievable toughness," said CU coach Tad Boyle, who won his third NCAA tourney game. "We started to play tougher on the glass and we made just enough plays down the stretch … The Buffaloes have had a helluva year. This team has done some special things."

Boise State was led by Agbo who finished with 17 points. Roddie Anderson III added 14 points, and Cam Martin had 10 off the bench for the Broncos. 

The win was Colorado’s 25th this season, setting a program record. The 10-seeded Buffaloes advance to face 7-seed Florida Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis (2:30 p.m. ET/TV: TBS). The Gators enter the NCAA tournament averaging 85.1 points per game, which ranks sixth in the nation. Colorado and Florida have never faced each out on the hardwood.