The Utah Runnin’ Utes built 11-point leads in both halves against the rival Colorado Buffaloes, but could not close the deal or control Jabari Walker in the second half, and homestanding CU took an 81-76 win in a Pac-12 game Saturday night.
Here are 3 keys to Colorado’s win:
• Branden Carlson was fabulous in the first half with 21 points on 9 of 12 shooting, and the Utes led by as many as 11 points before setting for a 36-33 lead at the break. Carlson finished with 25 as Colorado adjusted well in the second half to slow the big guy down.
• Gabe Madsen picked up two early fouls and was held scoreless in the first half, but made three 3-pointers in the second half as Utah jumped out to another 11-point lead. However, Madsen missed a couple 3-pointers down the stretch and Colorado hit enough free throws to secure the win.
• Utah coach Craig Smith announced before the game that senior big man Dusan Mahorcic is no longer in the Runnin’ Utes’ program. Mahorcic was suspended indefinitely on Jan. 29 for a violation of team rules.