BOULDER — Things got away from Colorado early.
After spotting the hosts a brief, early lead, the Kansas State men’s basketball team flexed its speed, strength and superior athleticism Wednesday night in a 72-56 victory over the Buffaloes at the Coors Events Center.
Colorado (9-9, 1-3 Big 12) went up 13-12 with 14:06 remaining in the first half when senior guard Richard Roby bagged a 3-pointer from the top of the key. But the Buffs wouldn’t score again until Roby converted a free throw with 7:31 to play.
Kansas State (13-4, 3-0) took advantage with a 15-0 run, 10 of those points scored off sloppy turnovers by Colorado. Unbeaten after three conference games for the first time since the 1987-88 season in the old Big Eight, Kansas State never trailed after that spurt.
CU senior guard Marcus Hall did give the home crowd a reason to cheer early in the second half when he stole a Wildcats pass and raced to the other end for a layup, pulling the Buffs to within 34-30.
But Kansas State answered with an 11-3 run, capped by layup from sure-fire All-American Michael Beasley, to go up 45-33 with 12:56 to go.
Colorado made Beasley work for his points, trapping the hulking, 6-foot-10 freshman each time he touched the ball down low. Beasley got into early foul trouble and took just two shots in the first half, for three points. Entering the game averaging a Big 12-leading 24.6 points, he finished with 29.
Roby tried to carry Colorado, scoring 15 of his team-high 27 points in the first half to keep the Buffs within 34-26.
Colorado didn’t help itself at the free-throw line, missing 12 of its first 21 attempts.
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
