Johnson scores 17 points to lead Colorado past Cal Baptist and Buffs off to best start in 76 years

Johnson scores 17 points to lead Colorado past Cal Baptist and Buffs off to best start in 76 years
Johnson scores 17 points to lead Colorado past Cal Baptist and Buffs off to best start in 76 years

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — True freshman backup Isaiah Johnson scored 17 points and Barrington Hargress and Sebastian Rancik each scored 12 points as Colorado battled California Baptist to a 78-70 win on Monday night.

Johnson made 9 of 11 free throws and reserve Alon Michaeli added 11 points for the Buffaloes, who shot 45% (24 of 53), including 38% (6 of 16) from 3-point range.

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Dominique Daniels Jr. scored 25 points on 10-of-11 shooting from the foul line, and Martel Williams scored 14 points for the Lancers.

Jordan Muller’s layup with 13:03 left gave the Lancers a 50-48 lead after Michaeli 3 tied the score at 48. Daniels built a four-point lead with 12:28 left, but the Lancers failed to score until 4:58 remained, at which point Colorado took control with a 16-0 run and led 64-54 after Bangot Dak made a 3-pointer with 5:12 remaining.

Williams converted a three-point play and Jonathan Griman made a dunk with 4:11 left to pull Cal Baptist within 64-59. The Lancers got within 70-66 on a personal 5-0 run by Daniels that included a 3-pointer and a layup, but never got closer.

It is the first time in 76 years (the 1949-50 season) that Colorado begins a season with eight consecutive victories.

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California Baptist travels to take on ninth-ranked BYU on Wednesday.

Colorado plays at Colorado State on Saturday.

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