COL BKB: Colorado 81, Kent State 74

BOULDER, Colo., March 23 (UPI) -- Alex Burks had 25 points and 10 rebounds Tuesday to lead Colorado to an 81-74 win over Kent State and a berth in the NIT semifinals.

The Buffaloes (24-13) will face the winner of Wednesday's match-up between Miami-Florida and Alabama.

Marcus Relphorde scored 17 and Andre Roberson and Cory Higgins both contributed 13 for Colorado.

Justin Greene finished with 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists, and Andre Roberson posted a double-double, 13 points and 12 rebounds, for Kent State (25-12).

Colorado jumped to a 36-31 lead at halftime and held on in the second half thanks in part to an 8-of-9 performance at the free throw line.