Dec. 29, 2002

Box Score

DENVER - The University of Denver men's basketball (7-5) team dismantled the visiting Drake Bulldogs (5-6), 87-62, Sunday (Dec. 29) afternoon in front of 950 starved, faithful fans at Magness Arena.

The Pioneers took advantage of an exceptional shooting afternoon, during which Denver shot better than their average in virtually every conceivable offensive category. The Pioneers shot 48.3 percent from the floor, and finished with a free-throw percentage of higher than 90 percent (21-of-23 [91.3 percent]) for the first time since the team went a collective 13-of-13 against Wyoming on November 13.

Denver saw offensive production from an array of outlets, including 22 points from captain B.J. Pratt (San Antonio, Texas), still sixth on the school's all-time points list and an additional 12 from 6'9" junior center Brett Starkey (Lakewood, Colo.). All told, 10 of the 12 Pioneers listed on Sunday's roster contributed in the games scoring.

"After Puerto Rico we realized we needed to utilize our inside game to open up our outside game", said Starkey, who made good on his own words by grabbing a team-high nine rebounds in his 27 minutes on the floor. "They were a solid team. I respect their inside game, and I respect their outside game."

It may even be fair to say that Denver is even beginning to respect itself.

"We had a couple of hard days of practice this week", Starkey added. "Bottom line: we came out and played the way we needed to."

Denver now begins the process of fine-tuning before their league play begins on January 9. The Pioneers will host Montana (5-7) on Thursday before preparing for their final non-conference road trip of the season to Nebraska (6-5).

GAME NOTES
?	Sophomore guard Erik Benzel (Spokane, Wash.)
        had a career-high eight rebounds.
?	Luke McDonald's 67-game streak of making at least
        one three-point basket was snapped.