Feb. 19, 2004

Box Score

Junior guard Tasha Jones (San Antonio, Texas) scored 22 points and had 10 rebounds to lead the University of Denver women's basketball team to a 67-58 victory over North Texas at the Super Pit Thursday. Denver improved to 12-12, 5-7 on the season; while North Texas fell to 9-15, 5-7.

Jones scored 10 points in the Pioneers' first-half run that earned Denver a 12-point lead, and then capped the game-saving 7-0 run with a three pointer late in the second half. Junior center Sarah Cyran (Broomfield, Colo.) and freshman forward Laura Granzow (Springfield, Mo.) contributed 13 points apiece to help Denver outlast the home team.

"This was a huge win for us in terms of the conference race," Denver Head Coach Pam Tanner said. "What pleases me most about this win was that when the game got close, I didn't see fear, I saw fire in their eyes and a desire to win. I was most impressed with our team effort and our defense."

In the first half, Denver got out to an early 8-2 lead as Lowery and Cyran combined for all eight scores. North Texas managed an 11-2 run to take their first lead of the game at 13-10 with 13 minutes to play in the period. Jones answered the Mean Green, sparking an 18-4 run by scoring eight straight points, including back-to-back three pointers. Jones scored 10 points in the run that gave Denver a 29-17 advantage with nine minutes to play in the half. The Mean Green finished the half on a 15-9 run to close the game and head to the locker room trailing by five points, 38-32. Denver shot 57 percent from the field in the first half, including five three pointers. Jones had 13 points and six rebounds at the half.

North Texas opened the second half on a 12-8 run to come within two points of the Pioneers at 46-44. Jones answered with a three pointer to give the Pioneers a five-point cushion. UNT mounted a 7-4 run to get within two points of the lead at 53-51 with eight minutes to play. The score remained knotted for more than four minutes before Denver scored the next seven points to earn a 60-51 advantage with under two minutes to play. Granzow was waiting under the basket for two straight buckets and Jones capped the run with a three pointer as the shot clock expired.

Denver shot 55.3 percent from the field and hit seven three pointers. North Texas shot 37.9 percent and was led by Kim Blanton with 17 points, and Erika Bobo added 11points.

With three games remaining to play, Denver is now tied with North Texas for third in the West Division of the Sun Belt Conference. The Pioneers will continue their road trip, heading to New Mexico State to take on the Aggies who are now 10-14, 4-8 in league play.