Dec. 7, 2002

Box Score

AMES, Iowa - The University of Denver men's basketball team used 51 points in the first half to defeat Western Illinois 75-48 Saturday night in the consolation game of the Cyclone Challenge at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa. The win improves the Pioneers record to 3-3 as the Leathernecks fall to 1-5.

Junior Zeljko Zupic (Sinj, Croatia) dropped in a game-high 21 points in his second start of the year. Zupic was 8-of-11 from the floor and 5-of-7 from behind the arc. Junior center Brett Starkey (Lakewood, Colo.) registered his second double double of the year adding 12 rebounds and 16 points on 8-of-10 shooting. Shawn Mason led WIU with 13.

Senior guard B.J. Pratt (San Antonio, Texas) continued his consistent play helping with 14 points and six rebounds.

The Pioneers scored a season-high 51 points in the first half on 10-of-17 shooting from three-point range. Denver's 30 points from downtown was nine better than the Leathernecks 21. The Pioneers got out of the gate early, using pressure defense to open up a 12-2 lead in the first four minutes. That lead was pushed to 19-6 with 12 minutes remaining. Denver's lead continued to grow as they out rebounded Western Illinois 24-14. The Pioneers only turned the ball over only three times in the first half, while compiling 12 assists.

The second half was a different story as Denver struggled on the offensive end of the court. The Pioneers were able to keep their lead above 21 with good help and recover defense. They heated up again towards the end of the half as the Pioneers opened up their biggest lead 73-41.

The Pioneers will be in action again Wednesday night when they face in-state rival Colorado State in Fort Collins. Game time is set for 7 p.m.