Photo: Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder (22) warms up before an NCAA college football game Sept. 14, 2024, in Fort Collins, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder died early Sunday morning in a single-car crash, police said. He was 23.

Ponder was driving a 2023 Tesla when he lost control on a curve and hit a guardrail, according to the Colorado State Patrol. The car struck an electrical line pole and rolled down an embankment.

Ponder was pronounced dead at the scene in Boulder County. Police said a preliminary investigation “shows that speed is suspected as a factor.”

Ponder played in two games for the Buffaloes last season, going 0-for-1 passing and carrying the ball twice for a loss of 4 yards. The 6-foot-5 sophomore from Opa Locka, Florida, began his collegiate career at Bethune-Cookman before transferring.

The Buffs were slated to begin spring practice on Monday.

“God please comfort the Ponder family, friends & Loved ones,” Colorado coach Deion Sanders posted on X. “Dom was one of my favorites! He was Loved, Respected & a Born Leader. Let’s pray for all that knew him & had the opportunity to be in his presence. Lord you’re receiving a good 1.”

Colorado offensive coordinator Brennan Marion reposted Sanders' statement and called Ponder a joy to be around and coach.

“Getting that call from his dad today didn’t feel real,” Marion posted. “Love you Dom! God cover his family & our team, especially our qb room!”

Colorado athletic director Fernando Lovo said Ponder “epitomized the values of passion, enthusiasm, leadership, toughness, and intelligence that were revered by his teammates and coaches alike.” The athletic department said it would make counseling resources available to players and staff.

Fellow Colorado quarterback Colton Allen also paid tribute to Ponder on Instagram.

“Dom, you were a blessing to so many people,” Allen wrote. “You had a presence about you that just made everything better. You brought so much joy to me and everyone around you. I’m grateful for every lift, every practice, every rep, every conversation we got to share. I’ll carry those with me for the rest of my life.”

The Big 12 Conference extended its condolences in a post on X.

Anthony Edwards and T-Wolves move into 4th in the West with a 117-108 win over the Nuggets

DENVER (AP) — Anthony Edwards scored 21 points, Bones Hyland had 15 of his 18 points in the first half against his former team, and the Minnesota Timberwolves moved a game ahead of Denver in the Western Conference with a 117-108 win over the Nuggets on Sunday.

Minnesota swept its three-game trip to improve to 38-23 and jump into fourth in the West, beating Denver for the first time in four games this season.

There are just two games separating third-seeded Houston and the Los Angeles Lakers in sixth place, with Los Angeles set to host Sacramento later Sunday.

“Everyone around the league knows what’s at stake when you look at the standings, and every single night these games feel just so big,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said before tipoff.

Nikola Jokic finished with 35 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists but couldn't carry the Nuggets over their Northwest Division rivals. Jamal Murray had 25 points on 9-of-22 shooting, including 4 of 6 from 3-point range.

Denver has lost four of six games since the All-Star break. The Nuggets have been without forward Aaron Gordon since Jan. 30 because of a hamstring injury, and Peyton Watson is also sidelined with a hamstring strain.

Minnesota led 58-50 at halftime and went up 83-69 after Donte DiVincenzo made three 3-pointers. Denver cut it to five late in the third but the Timberwolves answered to lead 104-92 with 7:05 left.

Murray provided a spark with a driving dunk over Rudy Gobert, but Minnesota responded with five straight points and Edwards' 3-pointer made it 109-96. The Nuggets got no closer than seven in the final 3:49.

Up next

Timberwolves: Host Memphis on Tuesday night.

Nuggets: At Utah on Monday night.