In what is certainly a huge blow to their chances at making the NCAA Tournament, the Colorado Buffaloes lost to the Iowa St. Cyclones on Wednesday night, 95-90. The Cyclones, last place in the Big 12 standings, had solid performances from all of their starters, four scoring in double digits. Jamie Vanderbeken led the starters with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Scott Christopherson scored 17 points, while Darion Anderson and Diante Garrett added 16 points each.
But it was Calvin Godfrey's 23 points and 11 rebounds off the bench that were crucial. He shot 10-of-11 from the field as part of a team shooting percentage of 57.1 percent. In the second half, the 'Clones outscored the Buffs, 57-53.
Alec Burks put in a strong effort with 24 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Levi Knutson scored 12 of his 16 points on four three-pointers, and one of them gave the Buffs a 27-26 lead in the first half. The Buffs extended that lead to 37-36, but finished the half down, 38-37, when Garrett scored on a layup with four seconds left.
Marcus Relphorde added 21 points and seven rebounds. Corry Higgins finished with 15 points.
The Buffs (18-12) are now 7-8 in conference play and have a Saturday game with the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Unless they take the Big 12 tournament, the Buffs will likely not catch March Madness.