DENVER - Led by a 19-point effort from senior Britteni Rice (Pampa, Texas) and a 17-point performance from junior Kaetlyn Murdoch (Temple, Texas), the University of Denver women's basketball team (1-1) outlasted the University of Colorado Buffaloes (1-1), 70-69 on Tuesday night in Magness Arena.

The game began on a somber note as both teams and fans shared a moment of silence with DU head coach Erik Johnson and his family in honor of their son Davis James Johnson who passed away in May. However, after tears and hugs, the night ended on a high as the Pioneers beat the Buffalos and earned their first win of this early 2010-11 season. 

"It was a very emotional win for our team tonight on a number of different levels," Johnson said. "Colorado played us really tough and we really had to play our hearts out tonight to fight for this win. I am very proud of my team and how they were able to rebound from a tough loss to Wyoming last week."

The Pioneers were led by Rice and Murdoch who has 19 and 17 points, respectively, while senior Brianna Culberson (Jefferson City, Mo.) finished with 12 points and a team-high eight rebounds. For the second-straight game, sophomore Emiko Smith (Los Angeles, Calif.) finished with seven assists, while also contributing six points and grabbing four rebounds.

Brittany Spears led the Buffalos with 24 points and 10 rebounds, while Chucky Jeffery finished with 10 points and five assists.

Colorado controlled the game for most of the first half, but because of 14 first half turnovers, were never able to break away from the Pioneers. The second was defined by continuous lead changes and close play with neither team ever having more than a five-point lead. DU shot better in the second half, 50.0 percent from the field, but was never able to pull away from the Buffs.

In the end, the game came down to free throws with the Pioneers entering the bonus with 2:32 left. Trailing 61-58, Murdoch stepped to the line and converted one of her two free-throw attempts. On the next possession, freshman Quincey Noonan (Broomfield, Colo.) stole the ball and converted the ensuing lay-up to tie the game 61-61 with just over two minutes to play.

The Buffs took a 62-61 lead off a Britney Blythe free-throw, however, Rice gave the Pioneers the advantage right back to DU as she sank both her free-throw attempts after being fouled on the following play by Blythe. Rice then returned to the line with 39 second to go, making both of her free throws and sealing the win for the Pioneers.

DU returns to action next Tuesday, Nov. 23 as they travel to Fort Collins for a game against Colorado State at 7 p.m.

- PIONEERS -