DENVER - University of Denver sophomore forward Chris Udofia (Irving, Texas) tied a career high with 21 points, while adding five rebounds and five blocks, as the Pioneers beat Southern Mississippi 59-52 at Magness Arena on Monday night.

Senior forward Rob Lewis (Colorado Springs, Colo.) added 15 points and four rebounds, and freshman forward Royce O'Neale (Killeen, Texas) had 11 points and six rebounds.

"What was good about tonight is that we got contributions from a lot of different guys, and that's what we need every game," head coach Joe Scott said. "When guys understand their roles and don't force things, that's the sign of a good team and how a team can be successful. That's the team we're trying to become, and I like what I've seen so far."

The Pioneers (3-0) started the game with four quick points, but Southern Mississippi (1-1) rattled off an 8-0 run to take the lead.

Denver settled in, as a pair of three-pointers by O'Neale put Denver back on top 15-12 with 12:34 remaining in the first half, and DU stretched the lead to take a 30-22 advantage into halftime.

Junior guard Chase Hallam (Mesquite, Texas) scored on a layup to open the second half, and Lewis hit a pair of free throws to give DU its largest lead at 34-22 with 18:07 remaining.

The Golden Eagles fought back, cutting the Denver lead to four points with 2:14 left on the clock, but Udofia hit a three pointer and a layup in a 35-second stretch to give the Pioneers the lead for good. Free throws down the stretch sealed the win.

DU shot 47.5 percent (19-for-40) from the field in the game and converted 17-of-22 (77.3 percent) free throw attempts. USM was 33.3 percent (18-of-54) from the field and 68.4 percent (13-of-19) from the free throw stripe.

The Pioneers next host Saint Mary's of the West Coast Conference on Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 5 p.m. MT. The game will be broadcast live on ROOT SPORTS, and fans also can follow the action on Mile High Sports Radio AM 1510 or FM 93.7, and via LiveStats available at DenverPioneers.com.