PROVO, Utah - The University of Denver women's basketball team (19-12) fell 75-60 to Brigham Young University (24-8) in the First Round of the Women's Invitation Tournament on Thursday night at the Marriott Center.

"A great deal of credit needs to go to BYU and how they played us because they really challenged us the entire game," said head coach Erik Johnson. "I think we played a great first half and but struggled a bit in the second half with their transition and press. I couldn't be more proud of our three seniors and what they've done for our program, and our entire team has been a great support to me and my family this season."

Seniors Britteni Rice (Pampa, Texas) and Brianna Culberson (Jefferson City, Mo.) led the Pioneers with 16 points each, while Culberson finished with eight rebounds and Rice finished with five.

Also chipping in for the Pioneers was junior Kaetlyn Murdoch (Temple, Texas) with 15 points and seven rebounds, while sophomore Emiko Smith (Los Angeles, Calif.) finished with eight points and six assists. Freshman Quincey Noonan (Broomfield, Colo.) dished in five points and finished with five rebounds.

The Pioneers played the Cougars close in the first half, trailing by only three points heading into the locker room. However, the Cougars pulled away in the second half, leading by 18 points in the second half.

Mindy Bonham led the Cougars with 23 points, while Coriann Fraughton finished with 18 points and eight rebounds. Kristen Riley and Jennifer Hamson rounded out the double-figure scoring with 11 points each, while Riley led the team with nine rebounds.

Rice finishes her DU career with 1,283 points ranking her 10th all-time in points scored. Rice also ranks tied for third in games played (118), fourth in three-pointers made (147), fifth in three-pointers attempted (398), third in free-throws made (324), fourth in free-throws attempted (394) and first all-time in free-throw shooting percentage (.822).

Culberson finishes her career with 1,172 points, ranking her 13th all-time in scoring. The forward also finishes as the Pioneers leader in all-time games played with 121.

- PIONEERS -