Dec. 30, 2000

MILWAUKEE - The University of Colorado overcame a 15-point second half deficit, then scored the first seven points of overtime to claim a 74-71 win over UWM Saturday night at the Klotsche Center.

D.J. Harrison scored 25 points and added 10 rebounds to pace the Buffaloes (9-3), who won for the fourth straight time. Clay Tucker scored 22 points and claimed 11 rebounds to lead UWM, which also got a career-high 21 points from Jason Frederick.

With 18 seconds left, a Frederick three-pointer forced the overtime. Colorado then scored the first seven points of the extra period, building a 71-64 advantage with 2:24 remaining. The Panthers closed to within 73-71 on another Frederick three. Then, Jamahl Mosley hit one of two free throws with six seconds remaining, and Clay Tucker's three-point shot rimmed off at the buzzer.

"They're as well-coached and as well disciplined a team as we'll face all year," Colorado head coach Ricardo Patton said. "We were very fortunate to win the game."

The Panthers (7-5) led by 11 points at halftime and increased the lead to 43-28 on a Mike Sowder three with 17:26 remaining. But, Colorado countered by scoring 21 of the next 26 points to grab a 51-49 lead at the 7:46 mark. The lead grew as large as six at 62-56 with 3:43 remaining before the Panthers bounced back to force overtime.

"That game was ours," UWM coach Bo Ryan said. "We never care what the name on the jersey is. We feel we can play with anyone on any night. I like the way our guys scrapped tonight."

The Panthers made just 8-of-32 shots in the second half and the overtime, and made just one-of-six free throw chances in the extra session. But, UWM stayed the game by hanging with the bigger Buffaloes on the boards. Colorado held only a 41-40 rebounding advantage, and the Panthers had 14 offensive rebounds. UWM also had just eight turnovers, while forcing 15 Colorado turnovers.

"Our players played extremely well defensively," Ryan said. "We needed to get a few more shots to go down and to make a few more free throws.

"If you looked at Colorado on the floor before the game, then after 45 minutes saw a one rebound difference - I'd say our players put forth a great effort."

4,147 fans watched the locally-televised contest - the third largest crowd in Klotsche Center history.

UWM returns to action Tuesday night, visiting the University of San Diego. Tipoff is set for 9 p.m. CST.

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