Mar 22, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard KJ Simpson (2) reacts in the second half against the Florida Gators in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at Gainbridge FieldHouse. Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: KJ Simpson's baseline jumper lifts Colorado over Florida

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 3/22/24

A victory almost slipped through Colorado's fingers in its Round of 64 NCAA Tournament game, but junior guard KJ Simpson didn't let that happen.

With 1.7 seconds remaining against Florida, Simpson drove baseline and fired a jumper. The ball bounced up and into the basket, clinching a 102-100 victory for the Buffaloes and thwarting the Gators' comeback attempt.

COLORADO HOLDS ON AGAINST FLORIDA!

WHAT A FINISH IN INDY!#MarchMadness @CUBuffsMBB pic.twitter.com/8XrT63AU2t
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 22, 2024

Colorado led 92-79 with 4:36 left, but Florida went on a 21-10 run and nearly sent the game into overtime.

Simpson has carried the Buffaloes throughout the season. He leads the team in points (19.6), assists (4.8) and steals (1.7). He finished with 23 points, five rebounds and five assists in the victory over Florida.

Simpson, 21, is on the NBA's radar. According to Tanakthon, the Portland Trail Blazers are projected to take the 6-foot-2, 189-pounder with the 40th overall pick in the draft.

The 10th-seeded Buffaloes will need Simpson to keep delivering in the clutch Sunday against No. 2 seed Marquette. If Colorado pulls off the upset, it will make its first Sweet 16 appearance since 1969.

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