DENVER - Senior Kaetlyn Murdoch (Temple, Texas) and sophomore Quincey Noonan (Broomfield, Colo.) each scored 14 points, while redshirt-junior Morgan Shell (Marble Falls, Texas) chipped in 13, as the University of Denver women's basketball team outlasted the Colorado State Rams 64-61 in Magness Arena Wednesday night. The Pioneers are ranked No. 22 in the most recent Mid-Major poll that was released this week.

After facing a 10-point deficit early in the second half, the Pioneers clawed their way back by taking advantage of free throws (22-26, 84.6 %) and taking care of the basketball down the stretch. The crucial comeback victory improves the Pioneers to 4-0 on the season, their best start since 1983-84, and also keeps them undefeated in the Front Range standings.

"CSU had a great game plan against us tonight and I have to give Kristen Holt a lot of credit for the way her team played tonight," said head coach Erik Johnson. "To be up by 14 points and then down by 10 points throughout a good part of the game, I thought it was a great testament to our team that they did not give up or get away from our game plan."

The Rams (1-4) committed 23 turnovers, but shot 41 percent (23-55) from the field and out-rebounded the Pioneers, keeping themselves competitive throughout the game. Murdoch added eight rebounds, three steals and two blocks to her totals, while junior point guard Emiko Smith (Los Angeles, Calif.) scored a season-high 12 points while dishing out three assists.

After trading buckets to start the first half, DU went on a 13-4 run to increase its lead to 23-9 with less than nine minutes to go. Shell recorded seven of the Pioneers' first 12 points, pacing DU's rapid start. The Rams began a run of their own late in the first half, scoring 15 points in the last seven minutes to take the lead with less than two minutes remaining before the break. Two free throws from Noonan with 11.2 seconds left in the half brought the score within two, as the Rams took a 31-29 lead into the intermission.

After trailing nearly the entire second half, the Pioneers tied the game at 54-54 with 1:54 left as freshman Jordan Johnston (Waterloo, Iowa) hit a huge three-point shot from the right wing. From there, DU went on a 6-2 run to take a 60-56 lead with under 30 seconds left in the game. The Rams threatened late with a few easy buckets, but solid free-throw shooting and good ball control in the final minute sealed the victory for the Pioneers.

Up next, the Pioneers travel to El Paso, Texas, for a Saturday afternoon match-up with Texas-El Paso. Opening tip is set for 4:05 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.

-PIONEERS-