Simpson pushes Colorado past USC 92-89 in double overtime

Buffs get momentum before heading back to Boulder

CU Buffs

KJ Simpson had 30 points to lead Colorado to a 92-89 win over USC in double overtime on Saturday night. The Los Angeles native returned home for a final time and didn't disappoint. He was one of four Buffs in double-figures, along with Tristan da Silva with 18, Cody Williams adding 14, and J'Vonne Hadley who chipped in 13. 

With the win, Colorado (17-9, 8-7 Pac-12) swept the season series over USC (10-16, 4-11 Pac-12), who came off a convincing victory over Utah this week. It didn't come easy for the Buffs who battled after being down by 16 midway through the second half. They went on a 17-3 run to close the gap late  and eventually forced overtime. 

The game was tied at 73 after regulation. Williams and Simpson went into the extra period with each having four fouls, but didn't shy away from contact and it paid off. 

Boogie Ellis had 30 points for USC in a losing effort. One of three Trojans in double-figures with Isaiah Collier adding 25 and Kobe Johnson with 14. One of the worst nights from the bench with a total of six points.

As for Colorado, they shot 31-for-59 (52.5%) from the field, including 9-for-20 from three-point range. They also outrebounded USC by a 2-to-1 margin, grabbing a total of 47 boards. 

The Buffs split the final trip to LA after a 64-60 loss at UCLA. It's going to be a rollercoaster ride from now to the Pac-12 Tournament.

UP NEXT:

Colorado hosts Utah on Feb. 24 to open a three-game home stand at CU Event Center. 

USC will head across the city to face UCLA on Feb. 24.