COL BKB: Connecticut 68, Buffalo 64

BUFFALO, N.Y., Dec. 4 (UPI) -- Kemba Walker made two free throws with a second remaining Thursday, allowing second-ranked Connecticut to escape with a 68-64 win over Buffalo.

The Huskies narrowly avoided an upset, one that was almost pulled off thanks to a 28-point performance from Rodney Pierce.

Pierce had the ball in the closing seconds, with Buffalo having a chance to send the game into overtime, but his pass into the lane was mishandled by Max Boudreau. Walker came away with the ball and he was fouled, leading to his game-clinching free throws.

Connecticut (8-0) was led by 21 points from Hasheem Thabeet and 18 from Jeff Adrien.

Buffalo fell to 3-3.