Feb. 15, 2006

Box Score

DENVER - Senior center Yemi Nicholson (Aurora, Colo.) notched 28 points and sophomore guard Steve Wetrich (Ottumwa, Iowa) added 20, as the Pioneers improved to 14-12 overall and completed a sweep of Northern Colorado, defeating the Bears 85-80 Wednesday evening in Magness Arena. With the win, Denver posts a school record for eight nonconference regular-season wins (since returning to Division I in 1998).

Despite foul trouble by Nicholson, the senior center bested his average of 19.4 points per game, while the DU guard corp. of Wetrich and senior guard Brett Seger (Omaha, Neb.) picked up the slack from the behind the arc, hitting 3-of-4 apiece from three-point range. Seger finished with a career-high 16 points and seven assists.

The Pioneers shot 68 percent in the first half, which included a 15-4 run to open the game. Despite Denver leading three times in the first half by double digits, the Bears came within two on a 7-0 run. The Pioneers were able maintain the momentum for 45-35 lead at the break. Nicholson led Denver with 17 points on 9-for-10 shooting, while Seger tallied 11 in the opening half, including his three treys.

With the start of the second half, Denver extended its advantage to 18 with a 12-4 run and would lead by as much as 21 in the final period. However, with Nicholson, Porch and senior center Terrence Gordon (Denver, Colo.) all picking up their fourth foul, UNC took advantage of weakened DU post and cut the Pioneer lead to 12 with six minutes remaining. Despite coming within six points late in the game, the Pioneers had time on their side and held on for the five point win.

For the game, Denver shot 59.6 percent from the field and a season-high 66.7 percent from behind the arc. UNC held a 34-28 advantage on the boards and leading scorer Kirk Archibeque finished with 22 points and five boards.

Next up, DU returns to Magness Arena and back into conference play with a 2 p.m. matchup against North Texas Saturday.