DENVER Junior Andie Mason (Gilbert, Ariz.) came off the bench to match her career-high of 12 points as the University of Denver women’s basketball team won its first game of the season, 80-68 over Montana State on Saturday afternoon in Hamilton Gymnasium. DU’s bench combined for 43 points and 10 rebounds.

 

“I thought we played with a strong, competitive spirit tonight, both individually and collectively,” head coach Pam Tanner said. “We had so many positive contributions today; I couldn’t single out just one player, because they all played well.”

 

DU (1-2) came out slow to begin the game, trailing 17-8 at 11:46, but the Pioneers went on a 16-2 run to take a 22-19 lead. A three-pointer by Mason pushed Denver’s lead to 11 at 6:09. The Bobcats (2-2) pulled to within seven points but the Pioneers extended their lead to 13 on a jumper by senior Sara Benham (Muleshoe, Texas). MSU pulled to within nine points late in the half on a free throw, taking that deficit into the lockerroom, 42-33. Sophomore Ashly Robinson (Bloomington, Minn.) came off the bench recording five points and three assists in the half. Denver was 62.5 percent from three-point range in the half and recorded nine steals and forced 12 Bobcat turnovers. The Pioneer bench had 24 points in the half, while DU scored eight points off putbacks and 13 points off MSU turnovers.

 

Coming out a little sluggish in the second half, the Pioneers saw their 17-point lead at 55-38 dwindle to five but a three-pointer by senior Brooke Meyer (Denver, Colo.) pushed the Pioneers’ lead back to eight. Mason recorded another three-pointer return DU’s lead to double-digits, 66-54. Mason’s next three would push the lead to 15 points and senior Jenna Cole (Lincoln, Neb.) put the Pioneers back up 17 with a three as DU cruised to the win. DU’s bench had 19 second-half points.

 

Meyer, who was perfect from three-point range, also had 12 points and Benham and Cole contributed 10 apiece. Senior Alisha Godette (Colorado Springs, Colo.) led all players with 10 rebounds. Led by Meyer’s six assists, DU recorded 25 in the contest, the most assists the Pioneers have had in a game since 21 vs. North Texas on Feb. 15, 2007. Cole led the way with DU with three steals.

 

The Pioneers received point contributions from 11 of the 12 players. Robinson led DU from the free-throw line, going 5-of-6, part of her nine points.

 

Denver returns to action on Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 7:07 p.m. against Front Range rival Colorado State in Magness Arena. The game will be broadcast live on FSN-Rocky Mountain as well as AM1510.