BOULDER, COLO. (AP) -- Alec Burks had 25 points and 10 rebounds, helping Colorado hold off Kent State 81-74 on Tuesday night and advance to the NIT semifinals at Madison Square Garden.
The Buffaloes (24-13) will play the winner of Alabama and Miami next Tuesday in the Big Apple.
Snubbed by the NCAA selection committee, Colorado has used the oversight as motivation, routing Texas Southern and California by a combined 31 points. But the Buffs had to hang on against pesky Kent State, converting 4 of 5 free throws in the final 1:13.
The Buffs are attempting to capture their first NIT crown since 1940.
Justin Greene finished with 20 points for the Golden Flashes (25-12), who were playing their third straight NIT game on the road.
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