DENVER - University of Denver senior guard Brian Stafford (Walnut Creek, Calif.) scored a career-high 32 points, including six three-pointers, to lead the Pioneers in a 69-61 victory over Portland State on Friday night at Magness Arena.

"I think you saw glimpses of what we're capable of this season," head coach Joe Scott said. "I was a little disappointed in the rebounding and interior defense in the first half, but overall I felt like there were glimpses of what we've been stressing and trying to get better at: plays in the open court, defensive plays and some blocks."

Sophomore forward Chris Udofia (Irving, Texas) added 15 points, six assists and four blocks, and junior guard Chase Hallam (Mesquite, Texas) had a team-high seven rebounds to lead Denver.

Freshmen guard Brett Olson (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) started his first career game at point guard, and freshman forward Royce O'Neale (Killeen, Texas) recorded six points, four rebounds and four assists in his debut.

"I thought Brian Stafford was phenomenal," Scott said. "Chris Udofia, if he can stay out of foul trouble, can be phenomenal. And I thought the two freshmen (Olson and O'Neale) played pretty well for their first game."

The Pioneers took the lead early and went up by as many as seven following a Stafford three-pointer with 8:10 to play in the half. Denver shot 8-of-16 (50.0 percent) from beyond the three-point arc in the first half with six of those coming from Stafford, who led Denver with 18 first-half points. The Pioneers led 34-31 at halftime.

Denver stretched its lead throughout the second half and took a 12 point lead at 49-37 after a Chase Hallam layup with 9:52 to play. Denver maintained the lead for the remainder of the second half, holding Portland State to just 9-of-29 (31.0 percent) shooting in the half. Denver was 13-of-15 (86.7 percent) from the free-throw line, all in the second half.

Denver was 24-of-50 (48.0 percent) from the field, while holding Portland State to 36.7 percent (22-of-60) from the floor and 16-of-22 (72.7 percent) from the charity stripe.

Nate Lozeau led Portland State with 19 points. Chehales Tapscott  had a double-double with 18 points 12 rebounds.

The Pioneers play at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Monday, Nov. 14th. Game time is set for 6 p.m. MT. Fans can follow the game on Mile High Sports Radio AM 1510 or FM

93.7, and via LiveStats available at DenverPioneers.com.