Buffs put up fight but fall short

IOWA 80, COLORADO 73

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.» Given the fight that the Colorado Buffaloes put up, perhaps the Buffaloes’ game against Iowa on Friday night will, in time, be the turning point for the team’s fortunes on the road.

Until then, it simply will stand as the fourth loss in six games as the Buffs (8-4) head into Pac-12 Conference play.

Despite battling back from a slow start, CU couldn’t get the defensive stops it needed down the stretch, dropping an 80-73 decision against the Hawkeyes (8-6).

Colorado has a week off, including a few days at home over Christmas, before beginning preparations for the league opener Friday at Oregon State.

CU led by three points with 11 minutes, 41 seconds remaining before Iowa reeled off a 13-2 run, building a lead it would never relinquish.

Two consecutive baskets by McKinley Wright pulled the Buffs within four points with a little more than five minutes remaining, but a 7-2 run by Iowa was enough to keep Colorado at bay.

Wright turned in another solid all-around game for the Buffs, finishing with 21 points, six assists, three steals and no turnovers in 35 minutes.

Dallas Walton came off the bench to go 6-for-10 with 13 points for the Buffs.

Namon Wright added 12 points and George King 10.

Isaiah Moss and Maishe Dailey led Iowa with 16 points.

Jordan Bohannon added 14 points for the Hawkeyes, Tyler Cook 12 and Cordell Pemsl 10.

The Hawkeyes held a big advantage at the free-throw line, making 25-of-36, while CU was just 9-of-17.

Iowa also dominated the boards, with a 43-31 rebounding advantage.

Both teams also struggled from 3-point range. CU made just 6-of23 (26.1 percent), while Iowa was 3-of-15 (20 percent.