DENVER Sophomore forward Rob Lewis (Colorado Springs, Colo.) posted 15 points, seven rebounds and a career-high five assists as the University of Denver men’s basketball team defeated visiting South Dakota State 62-58 at Magness Arena on Saturday evening.

 

Denver (2-6) was led by junior forward Nate Rohnert (Parker, Colo.), who scored 17 points, while freshman Brian Stafford (Walnut Creek, Calif.) tied his career high with 14 points in DU’s second victory of the season.

 

“Brian Stafford really stepped up and hit some key shots down the stretch, and Nate Rohnert and Rob Lewis played well, too,” head coach Joe Scott said. “When you’re talking about three guys playing well, and there were a few others, too, you’re talking about a good team effort. We need to continue playing in a way in which everyone contributes.”

 

The Pioneers opened the game with a 12-4 run on eight points from Rob Lewis and four from Rohnert. DU increased its lead to nine twice before Kai Williams brought South Dakota State within four at 20-16 with 6:02 remaining.

 

Sargent scored six points for the Jackrabbits, again bringing the visitors within four, 26-22 with 3:23 to play in the half. Rohnert then sunk two free throws before Cordova made two baskets for SDSU in the final 1:46. The teams headed to the locker rooms with Denver holding a two-point 28-26 lead.

 

The Pioneers turned the ball over four times in the final 1:29 of the half after recording only two turnovers in the opening 18:31.

 

Denver shot 11-for-19 (57.9 percent) from the field in the first half, while the Jackrabbits went 10-for-19 (52.6 percent). Rohnert led all players with 11 first-half points.

 

DU began the second half exactly as it opened the game, with a 9-3 run, taking a 37-29 lead. The Pioneers extended their lead to nine, 41-32, on a pair of layups by redshirt freshman Andrew Hooper (Lakewood, Colo.), but the Jackrabbits responded with a 6-0 run to come within three.

 

Stafford then put up 10 points in a 4:43 span midway through the second half to give Denver a 54-47 lead with 5:18 remaining. The teams exchanged layups to bring the score to 58-51 with 2:58 to go.

 

SDSU used a final 6-0 push to cut Denver’s lead to three, 58-55 with 1:29 on the clock. Mirroring the closing minutes of the first half, the Pioneers had three turnovers in the final 1:36, but Rob Lewis and Stafford sealed the game for Denver as each nailed a pair of free throws in the last 10 seconds.

 

“Hopefully, the composure we showed today is a sign of things to come,” Rob Lewis said. “Now we know what it feels like to play in a close game and hold on to that lead in the end. The win today will build some momentum as we are at home for four more games.”

 

Denver shot 23-for-41 (56.1 percent) from the field for the game, while South Dakota State went 21-for-42 (50.0 percent) in field goals.

 

South Dakota State (4-7) was led by Clint Sargent’s 19 points, and Anthony Cordova posted a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

 

The Pioneers continue their five-game homestand with their Sun Belt Conference opener against Florida Atlantic on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at Magness Arena.

 

 

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