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Knutson helps Buffaloes down Wildcats

Jan 13, 2011 - 6:39 AM Manhattan, KS (Sports Network) - Levi Knutson scored 20 points as Colorado upended 21st-ranked Kansas State, 74-66, at Bramlage Coliseum.

Marcus Relphorde and Alec Burks contributed 12 points apiece for the Buffaloes (13-4, 2-0 Big 12), who have won six in a row and halted a nine-game losing skid to Kansas State.

"The number one thing we talked to our team about when we play K-State, that if you are not ready to battle on the boards, you are going to get embarrassed," said Colorado head coach Tad Boyle. "And to be plus-9 on a team like K-State shows that our guys battled and played with toughness."

Jacob Pullen's game-high 22 points wasn't enough for the Wildcats (12-5, 0-2), who have lost two in a row after winning three straight. Rodney McGruder and Martavious Irving had 12 points each in the loss.

"We have to stay more focused and disciplined on the job at hand," said Kansas State head coach Frank Martin.

Nick Russell's layup gave the Wildcats a 40-39 edge early in the second half, but Relphorde drained a three to put the Buffaloes back on top to stay.

It kicked off a 12-0 run that saw the visitors expand their margin to 51-40 on an Andre Roberson trey less than eight minutes in. McGruder followed with a three and the home team slowly began to make up ground.

Pullen finished off a three-point play and K-State got within 61-60 with 5:39 remaining, but Burks and Knutson hit shots around a Jamar Samuels slam and it was 66-62.

Pullen again got his school within two but Roberson answered again for the Buffs. Irving and Samuels then each hit 1-of-2 from the line for a 68-66 game with under a minute left.

But Cory Higgins sank a jumper and both Burks and Shannon Sharpe made their free throws to account for the final margin.

Kansas State was hot early, jumping out to a 17-6 lead a little more than eight minutes in when Irving connected from long distance. Knutson's trey capped a run and got the Buffs within 24-22, then Burks followed with two from the line to tie the game.

Nine in a row from the Wildcats followed as Pullen's pair from the line put them up 33-24, but Colorado tallied the final nine of the half, and went to the break tied at 33 after a Relphorde dunk.

Game Notes

K-State still leads the all-time series 96-45, but fell to 54-10 against Colorado at home...The Buffaloes connected on 50 percent from the field, including 8-of-12 from beyond the arc...Kansas State hit just 40.4 percent from the field but forced 20 turnovers.