Team Colorado advances past Purple Reign (K-State alumni) in The Basketball Tournament

Loaded with several former Buffs and a handful of new faces, Team Colorado took down Purple Reign (Kansas State alumni) in its opening game of The Basketball Tournament (TBT) Saturday afternoon.

No. 5 seed Team Colorado, playing for the tournament’s $1 million winner-take-all prize, was led offensively by D’Shawn Schwartz, who finished with a team-high 21 points in the 71-67 win. Former Sam Houston State big man Michael Holyfield and Colorado native Jaizec Lottie also contributed 10 points each at Wichita State’s Charles Koch Arena.

In the second round, Team Colorado will face Wichita State’s alumni team, the top-seeded AfterShocks, on their home court Monday at 7 p.m. MT (Fox Sports 1).

Head coach Zach Ruebesam’s squad benefited from a considerable size advantage against Purple Reign, outrebounding the former Wildcats by seven. Andre Roberson, who spent seven seasons in the NBA following his time with the Buffs, snagged a team-high nine rebounds and Holyfield had eight boards.

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