SALT LAKE CITY – In a stunning display of premature celebration, the University of Colorado Buffaloes basketball team reportedly entered the locker room at halftime Tuesday night with the distinct impression that their work was done. Following a dominant first half against the Utah Utes, which saw them up by 26 points, players were observed packing their bags and inquiring about the earliest flight home.

“We had a really strong 20 minutes out there,” stated sophomore guard Bangot Dak, who led the team with a career-high 22 points and 10 rebounds, all apparently accumulated before the second-half buzzer. “Coach said we needed to come out strong, and we did. I figured that was it. What else is there?”

Sources close to the team confirmed that coaching staff had to physically redirect several players back onto the court for the second half, explaining the concept of a 'full 40 minutes.' “It was a bit of a logistical nightmare,” admitted assistant coach Marcus Thorne. “One player was already ordering an Uber to the airport. We had to assure them the game wasn't over, even if the outcome felt pretty settled.”

The Utes, meanwhile, were reportedly confused by Colorado’s sluggish return to the court, initially believing it was a tactical maneuver. “We thought it was some kind of psychological warfare,” said Utah forward Jamal Williams. “Turns out they just thought they’d won already.” The Buffaloes ultimately secured a 98-81 victory, proving that even a half-hearted second half can be enough when the first half is *that* good.