Alford Erupts For 37 Points As No. 4 UCLA Beats Colorado, 104-89

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Bryce Alford scored a career-high 37 points, hitting nine of UCLA's school-record 19 3-pointers, and the fourth-ranked Bruins beat Colorado 104-89 on Thursday night.

The old record for the Bruins (17-1, 4-1 Pac-12) was 18 in the season opener against Pacific.

Alford was 11 of 18 from the field, including 9 of 14 from 3-point range. He was pushed farther and farther out by the Buffaloes defense, but kept hitting deeper and deeper shots. Alford's previous best was 31 points against Oregon on Feb. 27, 2014.

Isaac Hamilton hit four 3-pointers on his way to 20 points. It was a rather quiet evening for talented freshman and UCLA leading scorer TJ Leaf, who still had 12 points. He averages 17.4.

Xavier Johnson had 21 points for the Buffaloes (10-7, 0-4), who have dropped four straight to open conference play for the first time since 2008-09 when they were in the Big 12. The Buffaloes are 2-2 against ranked teams this season.

Led by the long-range shooting of Hamilton, the Bruins went on an 11-2 run early in the second half to gain some separation.

BIG PICTURE

UCLA: With top-ranked Baylor's loss earlier this week, the Bruins have a chance to climb after remaining at No. 4 for a second straight week. First, though, they need a win at Utah on Saturday.

Colorado: A sizable crowd showed up despite a snowy night and a late start. The Buffaloes are 95-17 at Coors Events Center under coach Tad Boyle.

THIS & THAT

Alford has 1,687 career points, overtaking Marques Johnson (1,659 points, 1974-77) for 15th on UCLA's all-time scoring list. ... More Alford: The senior guard has hit 275 career 3-pointers. He trails only Jason Kapono (317, 2000-03) for most in school history. ... Lonzo Ball finished with 11 points and eight assists. ... Colorado freshman Deleon Brown started in place of senior Josh Fortune, who's been struggling with his jumper. ... The Buffaloes fell to 1-7 against UCLA since joining the Pac-12 for the 2011-12 season.

UP NEXT

UCLA: Travel to Utah to take on a Utes team loaded with confidence after knocking off No. 25 USC on Thursday.

Colorado: Host USC on Sunday.

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