Buffs Outlast Bears in Double Overtime Despite Stunning McCreary 3-Pointer to End Regulation

Colorado Survives California Comeback in Pac-12 Opener

Boulder, Colo. -KJ Simpson scored a game-high 29 points, including the go-ahead jumper with 41 seconds remaining in the second overtime, to send the Colorado Buffaloes to a 83-81 double-overtime victory over the California Golden Bears in their Pac-12 Conference opener Thursday night at the CU Events Center.

The Buffaloes (10-3, 1-0 Pac-12) led by 14 points in the second half and appeared to be on their way to a comfortable win before the Golden Bears (8-5, 0-1 Pac-12) stormed back behind a strong performance from freshman guard Sam Alajiki. Alajiki scored 15 of his team-high 24 points after halftime, including a game-tying three-pointer with 10 seconds left in regulation to force the extra period.

McCreary's Heroics Force Overtime

Evan Battey's jumper with 1:03 left in regulation gave Colorado a 68-63 lead, but California answered with a driving layup from Devin Askew 18 seconds later. The Buffs turned the ball over on their next possession, giving the Bears a chance to tie the game.

Grant Newell's driving layup attempt was blocked by Julian Hammond III, but the ball bounced right to McCreary at the three-point line. McCreary calmly sank the game-tying shot, sending the CU Events Center crowd into a frenzy and forcing overtime.

Colorado Prevails in Double Overtime

The teams traded baskets in the first overtime, with neither team able to gain an advantage. In the second overtime, the Buffs finally took control. Simpson's jumper gave Colorado a 79-77 lead with 1:25 remaining, and the Buffs forced a California turnover on the next possession.

J'Vonne Hadley made one of two free throws to stretch Colorado's lead to 80-77, and after the Bears missed a three-pointer, Simpson sealed the win with a driving layup with 11 seconds remaining.

Simpson Leads Buffs

Simpson's 29 points led all scorers, and he also added six rebounds and five assists. Battey finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Hadley added 14 points. Askew scored 17 points for California, while Alajiki and McCreary each added 24.

Colorado Improves to 6-0 at CU Events Center

The win improved Colorado's record to 6-0 at the CU Events Center this season. The Buffs have won their last four games overall and are now 1-0 in Pac-12 play. California dropped to 0-1 in the Pac-12 with the loss and is now 8-5 overall.

Next Up

Colorado will host the Arizona Wildcats on Saturday, January 7th, at 6:00 pm MT. California will travel to Utah to face the Utes on Sunday, January 8th, at 2:00 pm MT.