The wait was long but it turned out to be worth it.
In their first game since December 18, the Colorado Buffaloes defeated the Washington St. Cougars, 83-78, Thursday night at the CU Events Center.
COVID protocols for the Buffs and their opponents forced the cancellation or postponement of three games and that caused the long layoff.
Colorado trailed Washington St. 58-55 with 10:59 left in the game before going on a decisive 13-2 run that gave the Buffs a 68-60 lead. Jabari Walker capped the run with a dunk with 7:08 left.
Evan Battey led CU with 20 points. Keeshawn Barthelemy added 17 points. Walker had 16 points and a team-high eight rebounds.
CU is 10-3 overall, 2-1 in the Pac-12. Washington St. is now 8-6, 1-2.
Next up for CU is a matchup with Washington on Sunday, January 9 in Boulder. Coverage will start at 2:30 p.m. MST on KOA 850 AM and 94.1 FM.
Postgame comments from forwards Jabari Walker (12) and Evan Battey (21) and head coach Tad Boyle.