MBB Edged by Kansas State, 78-72

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) – Marcus Hall scored 22 points and the Buffs rallied with 45 in the second half, however Kansas State ran to a 78-72 victory, Tuesday night.

“We had our chances, we certainly did,” said CU head coach Jeff Bzdelik on the AM 760 post-game show. “It’s the little things and it all adds up. I’m very proud of my team and have been all year. They haven’t quit and that’s a testimony to who they are as people.”

Michael Beasley had 33 points to break Kansas State's season scoring record. Bill Walker snapped out of a two-game shooting slump with 25 points for the Wildcats (19-10, 9-6) snapped a four-game losing streak.

With Hall's 22 points against the Wildcats and his 31 points against Iowa State (March 1), it was the first time in his career that he has recorded back-to-back 20-point efforts. Hall grabbed a conference-high six steals, which is also the most against Kansas State in the history of Big 12 play for a CU Player. 

Colorado’s (11-18, 3-12) 13 steals are a season high.

Richard Roby added 15 points and a team-high eight rebounds. Roby also set a new school record with 2,080 career conference minutes bettering Jay Humphries (2,042, 1981-84).

Kansas State led 41-27 at halftime, but the Wildcats committed turnovers on five of their first seven possessions in the second half and Roby and Hall led the Buffaloes' comeback. The Buff’s 45 second half points are a conference high.

Hall's fastbreak basket got it to 56-52. Then Beasley popped in a short jumper and a moment later completed a three-point play to lead an 8-0 run.

Roby followed Levi Knutson's 3-pointer with two baskets that shaved the lead back to 71-65.

Colorado's Cory Higgins drilled a 3-pointer that made it 76-72 in the final seconds. Then Beasley stepped to the line and made two free throws for the final margin. Higgins scored 12 points and seven rebounds for the Buffs.

Colorado will close out the regular season at Nebraska on Sunday, Mar. 9 at 1 p.m. The game will be broadcast on Fox Sports Net Rocky Mountain.

Game Notes:

-Marcus Hall set a school record for season conference minutes with 570.

-Hall is 5th all time in career assists (408).

-Hall is 19th in scoring at CU; his 22 points tonight brought his total to 1,130.

-Hall led CU in scoring for the 12th time this season.

-Richard Roby now has 1,939 career points.