Colorado used McKinley Wright IV's 13 points and 10 assists along with Evan Battey’s 12 points and 12 rebounds and cruised wire-to-wire for a 99-54 win against Iona.

Behind a 45-12 run sandwiched around the halftime break, the Buffaloes stepped on the gas and blew away the Gales.

The second half started strong for Colorado, nabbing 11 of the first 12 rebounds of the period and starting on a 15-of-20 shooting tear from the field.

Battey was dominant in that stretch, scoring all of his dozen during the run. The Buffs made a season-high 17 triples.

Pac-12 builds expectations after strong nonconference season

Pac-12 basketball has ratcheted up expectations following a strong nonconference season.

The conference has three ranked teams in No. 6 Oregon, No. 21 Washington and No. 24 Arizona and a string of marquee wins headed into league play.

The rise follows a couple of down seasons. The Pac-12 went 0 for 3 in the 2018 NCAA Tournament and appeared to be a one-bid league a year ago before the selection committee pushed three through to the bracket of 68.

With loaded teams at the top and depth throughout, the conference is hoping for more March success in 2019-20.