BUFFS DROP CLOSE ONE ON THE ROAD

Wednesday, January 21

Stillwater, Okla.

6:00 p.m.

Colorado

Oklahoma State

January 21, 2004 | Men's Basketball

By: Associated Press

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) ? David Harrison and Lamar Harris had 13 points each, but it was not enough to lift Colorado to a victory over Oklahoma State as the Buffs dropped a close one 71-62 in Stillwater, Okla.

For the Cowboys, Tony Allen shook off a terrible shooting night to score 19 points and John Lucas added 15.

Allen made two twisting layups in the game's final two minutes and Lucas hit two free throws to keep the Cowboys (13-2, 3-1 Big 12) undefeated in nine home games this season.

The late 10-3 run keyed by Oklahoma State's two leading scorers was just enough to hold off Colorado (10-5, 2-2), which managed to keep the game close despite its top two scorers struggling through foul trouble all game.

Michel Morandais fouled out with 2 minutes to go and center David Harrison played with four fouls throughout much of the second half.

The Cowboys were ripe for an upset because of their shooting struggles.

Allen missed all four of his shots in the first half and really didn't get going until a tremendous dunk off a steal midway through the second half, giving Oklahoma State a 50-45 lead.

Colorado responded with a 9-0 spurt, taking a 54-50 lead -- its first since early in the first half -- after two straight inside baskets by Harris.

From there, Allen took over.

He missed four straight free throws, but still scored seven points in the final 6 minutes to seal the win.

The first half was marred by too many fouls (25) and not enough baskets (19).

Oklahoma State, the top shooting team in the Big 12, missed its first eight shots and scored only two baskets in the first 10 minutes. The Cowboys shot just 26 percent in the first half.

Meanwhile, Colorado committed 12 turnovers and played much of the half without Morandais because of -- surprise -- early foul trouble. He picked up two fouls in the game's first 4 minutes.

The Buffs have lost 20 straight games in Stillwater, with the last win coming in 1980. Colorado returns to action Sunday at Kansas. Game time is set for noon and the game will be broadcast regionally on ESPN.