Colorado wins, headed for New York

BOULDER, Colo. -- Alec Burks had 25 points and 10 rebounds, helping Colorado hold off Kent State 81-74 on Tuesday night and advance to the National Invitational Tournament semifinals at Madison Square Garden.

The Buffaloes (24-13) will play the winner of today's Alabama-Miami game Tuesday in New York.

Snubbed by the NCAA selection committee, Colorado has used the oversight as motivation, routing Texas Southern and California by a combined 31 points. But the Buffs had to hang on against pesky Kent State, converting 4 of 5 free throws in the final 1:13.

The Buffs are attempting to win their first NIT crown since 1940.

Justin Greene finished with 20 points for the Golden Flashes (25-12), who were playing their third straight NIT game on the road.

Colorado took control late in the game when Marcus Relphorde converted a three-point play for a 69-67 lead and Burks hit a reverse layup to extend the lead to four with 4:29 left.

The Golden Flashes couldn't tie the score again as the Buffaloes punched their ticket to New York. Burks dribbled out the final seconds near midcourt.

Andre Roberson had 13 points and 12 rebounds for Colorado, and Cory Higgins inched closer to the school's scoring record with 13 points. He needs 13 points to tie Richard Roby's mark of 2,001.