USAFA, Colo. - The University of Denver women's basketball team avoided a late run by the Air Force Falcons, defeating the regional-rival 54-52 Thursday night at Clune Arena. In a game that saw both teams shoot less than 65 percent from the foul line, the game ironically came down to free throws as the two traded baskets until the final 0.3 seconds.

Senior Kaetlyn Murdoch (Temple, Texas) got into foul trouble early in the first half, but was still able to lead the Pioneers, scoring a game-high 19 points on 9-14 shooting. Murdoch also added nine rebounds, three steals and three assists to her stat line. Sophomore Quincey Noonan (Broomfield, Colo.) came up huge for DU, scoring 14 points, many of them at crucial points in the game. Junior Emiko Smith (Los Angeles, Calif.) played the role of floor general, dishing out eight assists and also contributing five points.

The first half saw a combined 21 fouls from both teams, as Murdoch was forced to sit with two fouls lingering from early in the period. Despite Murdoch's absence, the Pioneers got a great push from Noonan who found the rim on a number of running jump shots.

The Pioneers did a great job on the defensive end in the first half, forcing 12 turnovers leading to four fast break points. Six different Pioneers recorded a steal in the first 20 minutes of play, with Murdoch leading the charge despite her foul trouble. She led all scorers at the half with 13 points and two steals.

The second half continued to see the action bounce back and forth with neither team leading by more than six points. Noonan led the charge in the second half, scoring seven of her 14 points, while Murdoch added six.

Up next, the Pioneers return home for their second consecutive regional-rivalry game as Colorado State invades Magness Arena on Nov. 23^. First tip is set for 7 p.m. MT.

Visit DenverPioneers.com for the most comprehensive coverage of Denver women's basketball, as well as all of DU's 17 athletic programs.

s- PIONEERS -