Win Streak Snapped In Boulder

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) – KJ Simpson scored 27 points, Tristan da Silva added 22 and Colorado beat California 88-78 on Wednesday night in the CU Events Center for its third straight win.

Cal (13-16, 9-9 Pac-12) was paced by Jaylon Tyson – who poured in 25 points after an 0-of-5 shooting start and added five rebounds and four assists – but saw its three-game win streak halted. The Buffaloes (19-9, 10-7) avenged an 82-78 loss at Cal in January, and stayed in contention for a top-four conference finish and first-round bye in the Pac-12 Tournament.

Simpson and da Silva were a combined 15-of-28 shooting and 16 of 18 from the free-throw line. The pair also had 14 of Colorado's 18 assists.

J'Vonne Hadley added 13 points and Eddie Lampkin Jr. had 12 for the Buffaloes, who shot 50% (29 of 58) from the floor.

Keonte Kennedy had 13 points and Jalen Celestine added 11 with three 3-pointers and a career-high five steals. Fardaws Aimaq posted his 19th double-double of the season with 11 points and 11 boards, along with four blocks.

Colorado took the lead for good three minutes into the game and ended the first half on a 12-6 surge for a 45-31 halftime advantage. Da Silva scored 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting and made all five of his free throws. Hadley and Lampkin combined for 15 first-half points. Celestine scored nine of his 11 points in the first half for the Bears.

Tyson's 3-pointer pulled Cal to 58-53 with 13 minutes to play, but the Bears didn't get closer. Simpson scored 18 points in the second half.

The Bears take on Utah on Saturday in Salt Lake City. Tipoff at the Jon M. Huntsman Center is at 6 p.m. PST/7 p.m. MST.

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