Colorado guard KJ Simpson's hard work and clutch performance led the 10th-seeded Colorado team to a thrilling 102-100 victory over seventh-seeded Florida in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Simpson's tiebreaking jumper with 2 seconds left sealed the win, propelling Colorado to the next round against Marquette.
Simpson, who finished with 23 points, five rebounds, and five assists, showcased his skills honed through years of practice. His game-winning shot, which hung on the rim before dropping in, capped off a high-scoring and intense matchup between the Buffaloes and the Gators.
Both teams displayed impressive offensive prowess, with Colorado shooting 63% from the field and Florida making 51.5% of their shots. The game featured a back-and-forth scoring battle, with Colorado ultimately prevailing with a record-setting offensive performance.
Despite Colorado's commanding lead in the second half, Florida's Walter Clayton Jr. mounted a remarkable comeback, scoring 16 consecutive points to keep the Gators in contention. Clayton's efforts, including a game-tying three-pointer with 9 seconds left, added to the excitement of the game.
Colorado's Eddie Lampkin Jr. contributed 21 points, while Tristan da Silva and J'Vonne Hadley added 17 and 16 points, respectively. On the other side, Will Richard and Zyon Pullin led Florida's scoring with 15 and 13 points.
The game took a dramatic turn when Florida coach Todd Golden received a technical foul, leading to a crucial five-point swing in favor of Colorado. Despite the contentious moment, both teams displayed resilience and determination throughout the game.
As Colorado advances to face Marquette in the next round, the team aims to continue its impressive run in the tournament. With standout performances and a thrilling victory behind them, the Buffaloes look to build on their success and make a deeper push in the NCAA Tournament.
Follow the latest updates and results of the NCAA Tournament on the official AP March Madness bracket and coverage.
