DENVER - University of Denver sophomore guard Chase Hallam (Mesquite, Texas) recorded his second career double-double with 15 points and a career-high 12 rebounds, but it was not enough as the Pioneers fell 48-47 to South Alabama in Sun Belt Conference action Sunday afternoon at Magness Arena.

 

Denver falls to 13-14, 9-5 SBC with the loss. South Alabama moves 11-14, 5-9 SBC. The home loss was Denver's first in two years during SBC play.

"You have to give credit to South Alabama for battling back," head coach Joe Scott said. "We had a lot of opportunities to put this game away, but we did not capitalize."

Freshman forward Chris Udofia (Irving, Texas) added eight points and four rebounds off the bench. Junior guard Brian Stafford (Walnut Creek, Calif.) added four assists for the Pioneers.

Denver took the lead early in the first half and smothered the Jaguars on the defensive end, holding South Alabama to just 20.8 percent (5-of-24) shooting in the half. The Pioneers led 26-11 when Justin Coughlin (Yuma, Colo.) threw down a dunk with 4:06 to go before intermission. Denver grabbed 19 boards in the half, 10 coming from Chase Hallam and led 31-17 at halftime.

The Pioneers shot 25.0 percent (5-of-20) in the second half and allowed South Alabama to chip away at Denver's advantage. The Jaguars took their first lead of the game at 46-45 when Allyn Cooks hit a three-pointer with 1:33 to play. Denver had a chance to score in the final seconds, but did not get a shot off before the final buzzer.

The Pioneers shot 37.5 percent on 18-of-48 from the floor. South Alabama was 16-of-46 from the field for 34.8 percent.

Augustine Rubit had a double-double for South Alabama with 14 points and 16 rebounds. Tim Williams added 14 points.

Denver travels to Louisiana-Lafayette on Thursday, Feb. 24. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. MT. Fans can listen to the action live on Mile High Sports Radio AM 1510 and 93.7 FM or follow via CoverItLive available through www.DenverPioneers.com.

Notes: Denver honored seniors Kyle Lewis (Denver) and Rob Lewis (Colorado Springs) prior to the game.