DENVER - Junior Britteni Rice's (Pampa, Texas) three-pointer with 0.6 seconds on the clock lifted the University of Denver women's basketball team (7-5, 2-0 SBC) over the University of Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks (5-6, 0-2 SBC) 63-62 on Monday night in Magness Arena, extending the Pioneers' win streak to six games and improving their record in Sun Belt Conference play to 2-0.

"It was a big-time shot by Britteni and a big-time play by our entire offense," said head coach Erik Johnson. "We practice this kind of play all the time in practice: drive, jump stop and pitch it out for the three-point shot; and Britteni did exactly that. It's a great way for us to head into the holiday break and it gives us great momentum as we make our way through the beginning part of our conference schedule."

Rice led all scorers with 17 points, while junior Brianna Culberson (Jefferson City, Mo.) finished with a career-tying 16 points and a new career-best 13 rebounds for her third career double-double. Culberson has now finished in double-figures in each of the Pioneers' 12 games this season.

Also finishing in double-digits was sophomore Kaetlyn Murdoch (Temple, Texas) as she added 13 points, while also finishing with three blocks.

Jesse Carrier and Larrie Williams led the Warhawks with 15 points apiece, while Sannisha Williams added 13 points.

Next, the Pioneers will host the final game of their five-game home stretch on Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 7 p.m. in Magness Arena as Arkansas State makes the trip to the Mile-High City. The game will be available on Pioneer Vision and Live Stats at www.DenverPioneers.com.

Pioneer Notes:

• Murdoch extended her consecutive games with one or more blocks to 19 games as she finished the day with three blocks for the third time this season.
• Culberson's 16 points extends her consecutive games with double figures to 12. Culberson has finished in double figures in each of the Pioneers' game this season. Her performance also tied a career-high that she has set one week ago against FIU (12/14/09).
• Culberson's 13 rebounds sets a new personal best. Her previous high was 10 that she matched twice, most recently against NAU (12/16/09).
• Culberson's 16 points and 13 rebounds marks her third career double-double.
• After scoring only five points in the first half, Rice rebounded to score 12 points in the second half and her first buzzer beater of the season.
• With only two points, one rebound and one block after the first 20 minutes, Murdoch provided 11 points, five boards and two blocks in the second half.
• The Pioneers are now 6-1 when controlling the tip, 5-3 when scoring first and 5-3 when leading at the half.
• Denver held the advantage in rebounds (39 to 38) and blocks (8 to 3) over ULM.
• Denver is currently sporting a six-game win streak heading into the holiday break.

- PIONEERS -