DENVER - University of Denver freshman guard Quincey Noonan (Broomfield, Colo.) and junior forward Kaetlyn Murdoch (Temple, Texas) each had 17 points to lead the Pioneers to their fourth straight victory with a 56-45 win over in-state rival Northern Colorado on Tuesday evening in Magness Arena.

"Northern Colorado and their coaching staff deserve a lot of credit for not allowing our players to score the way we are used to," said head coach Erik Johnson. "But we battled through, found ways to score, and I am proud of our kids for this one."

Eleven of Murdoch's 17 points came from the free throw line (11-of-12) as the forward also finished with a game-high nine rebounds, six blocks and two steals, while Noonan's 17 points marked a new career high for the guard. Also contributing for the Pioneers was senior Britteni Rice (Pampa, Texas) with nine points and four assists.

Denver finished the night shooting 40.5 percent from the field and 88.9 percent from the free throw line, while UNC finished shooting 34.0 percent from the field and 55.6 percent from the line.

Victoria Timm led the Bears with 14 points and seven steals, while Lauren Oosdyke added 13 points and eight rebounds.

 

Both teams struggled to maintain possession in the first half with 25 turnovers between both teams. However, the Pioneers used 42.9 percent shooting from the field and 85.7 percent from the free-throw line to take a 28-25 lead at the break.

DU came out slow in the second half, surrendering the lead at 10:39 as Oosdyke converted a lay-up to give the Bears a 38-36 lead. However, the Pioneers regained the upper hand soon after and following a Noonan three-pointer at 6:34 on the clock, Denver built a 10-point cushion.

Northern Colorado continued to battle, but Denver recorded five blocks and held the Bears to 7-of-30 (23.3 percent) shooting in the half. DU finished 10-of-11 (90.9 percent) at the line in the second half, including making 3-of-4 (75 percent) in the final minutes to lead to the win.

The Pioneers hit the road for their next one, heading to Eugene, Oregon for a match up against the Oregon Ducks on Friday, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. MT. Fans can follow the game on Pioneer Radio and CoverItLive, all through www.DenverPioneers.com.  

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