Box Score Jan. 23, 2003
Box Score
MOBILE, Ala. - Sophomore guard Erik Benzel (Spokane, Wash.) had 13 points and senior captain B.J. Pratt (San Antonio, Texas) added 12, but it was not enough as the University of Denver men's basketball team was defeated 59-50 by the University of South Alabama Jaguars in Sun Belt Conference (SBC) play on Thursday night at the Mitchell Center.
The loss snaps Denver's four-game winning streak as they fall to 12-7 overall and 4-1 in the SBC, while South Alabama improves to 9-8 overall and 3-3 in SBC play.
The game began with five straight turnovers by the Pioneers and a 14-2 run by the Jaguars. Denver continued to struggle mightily, but responded by slowing down the game and scoring the next nine points to close within three at the nine-minute mark.
USA's pressure defense kept the Pioneers from getting open looks at the basket and allowed the Jags to reopened a 24-18 lead with four minutes to play in the first half. The half ended on up note as the Pioneers finished the first frame strong, using good defense of their own to close within three (29-26).
Denver came out of the locker room with a lot of confidence and swagger but was able to back it up during the first four minutes as South Alabama increased the lead to five. The Pioneers took their first lead (37-35) on a lay-up by junior Carvell McAlister (Fresno, Calif.) at the 12:40 mark.
The seesaw battle continued for the next four minutes, but a lay-up by junior center Brett Starkey (Lakewood, Colo.) put Denver back in front 45-44 with just over seven minutes remaining in the game. The Pioneers could not hit key shots during the last four minutes of play and were unable to overcome the Jags.
Starkey recorded his recorded his ninth double-double of the year contributing 11 points and 14 rebounds.
Chris Young led South Alabama with a game-high 21 points, Demetrice Williams added 19.
Denver returns to action on Saturday, January 25 when they travel to conference foe New Orleans for the second game of a two-game road swing. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m MT.
