BOULDER, Colo. (Interstat) — Colorado used a strong first half and clutch late free throws to defeat Kansas State 79-70 in a men’s basketball game Wednesday night at Coors Events Center.

The Buffaloes built a 42-33 halftime lead behind 15 points from Barrington Hargress and never trailed in the second half. The Wildcats, led by PJ Haggerty’s game-high 25 points, closed within a point several times but could not overtake Colorado. Isaiah Johnson scored 18 points and Ian Inman added 17 for the Buffaloes, who made 20 of 28 free throws.

Colorado improved to 16-12 overall. Kansas State fell to 11-17. Attendance was 6,058.