BOULDER, Colo. (Interstat) — In a clash of unbeaten teams, the Colorado Buffaloes used a dominant second half to overcome a stubborn California Baptist squad 78-70 in a nonconference men’s basketball game Monday night at a sold-out Coors Events Center.

The Buffaloes, now 8-0, trailed by two at halftime but erupted for 46 points after the break to hand the Lancers their first loss of the season. California Baptist, which entered the game 7-0, saw its promising start to the season halted by Colorado’s relentless pressure and efficient closing performance.

California Baptist guard Dominique Daniels, a sophomore from Compton, California, turned in a spectacular individual effort, scoring a game-high 25 points on 8-of-19 shooting while adding three assists and two steals in 40 minutes. His backcourt mate, Martel Williams of Las Vegas, supported him with 14 points. The Lancers’ early success was built on defense and effort, forcing nine Colorado turnovers and grabbing 11 offensive rebounds.

Colorado, however, countered with a more balanced and efficient offensive attack down the stretch. Guard Barrington Hargress, an Inglewood, California native, led the Buffaloes with 22 points, including several key baskets during the decisive second-half run. The Buffaloes shot a scorching 61.5% from the field in the final 20 minutes and were a perfect 6 for 6 from the free-throw line for the game.

The first half was a defensive struggle defined by physical play and missed opportunities. California Baptist established an early edge, leading 34-32 at intermission despite connecting on only 2 of 13 attempts from three-point range. Daniels was the primary catalyst, consistently attacking the rim for 13 first-half points. Colorado, meanwhile, was plagued by early turnovers and managed just one three-pointer on two attempts in the half.

The momentum shifted irrevocably after halftime. Colorado opened the second period on a 14-5 run, sparked by Hargress and forward Alon Michaeli, who finished with 15 points. The Buffaloes began to find seams in the Lancers’ defense, and their own defensive intensity ramped up, limiting California Baptist’s second-chance opportunities.

A pivotal sequence occurred with just under 16 minutes remaining. With Colorado leading 39-36, California Baptist’s Jonathan Griman was fouled hard on a shot attempt by Colorado’s Bangot Dak, who was assessed a flagrant foul. Griman made both free throws, but the Lancers could not convert on the ensuing possession. Colorado answered immediately with a Felix Kossaras layup, extinguishing the potential momentum swing and pushing the lead back to five.

From there, the Buffaloes methodically extended their advantage. Their ball security improved dramatically, committing only two turnovers in the second half. Conversely, California Baptist’s offensive struggles persisted; the team finished the game shooting just 40.3% from the field and a dismal 15.4% from beyond the arc.

Colorado built its lead to as many as 12 points with under five minutes to play following a crucial three-pointer from Dak, who added five points, three assists and two blocks. Daniels kept the Lancers within striking distance, scoring 12 second-half points, including a three-pointer that cut the deficit to 70-66 with just over two minutes remaining.

The final minutes belonged to Colorado at the free-throw line. In the closing 31 seconds, the Buffaloes sealed the victory by making 8 of 8 free throws. Isaiah Johnson, who scored 13 points, and Sebastian Rancik, who added 12, were both perfect in their clutch attempts. A last-second layup attempt by Daniels was off the mark, finalizing the eight-point margin.

Statistically, the game was won on efficiency and discipline. Colorado scored 78 points on just 58 possessions for an offensive rating of 95.2, while California Baptist managed a 98.0 rating on 71 possessions. The Lancers’ 18-of-24 performance from the charity stripe was solid, but it was offset by their poor shooting from distance. Colorado won the battle on the glass 30-28 and dished out 13 assists to California Baptist’s seven.

The loss drops California Baptist to 7-1 as it heads into a tough road stretch, beginning at BYU on Wednesday. The Lancers’ strong start included notable wins over Oregon State and UC Irvine.

Colorado, one of a dwindling number of undefeated teams in Division I, preserved its perfect record. The Buffaloes’ early-season resume features victories over Providence and a hard-fought overtime win against Eastern Washington. They will now prepare for a road showdown against in-state rival Colorado State on Saturday.

The announced attendance was 4,931 at the Coors Events Center. Colorado covered the pregame spread as a 10.5-point favorite, and the total score of 148 fell just under the over/under line of 149.5.