BERKELEY, Calif. – University of Denver junior guard Cam Griffin (San Antonio, Texas) scored a career-high 15 points, but the Pioneers dropped their season opener 77-50 to Cal at Haas Pavilion on Tuesday night.

“We didn’t get off to a good start. Our shooting was a struggle, but it was a very tough assignment right out of the gate with a team as good as Cal. They were prepared, played well and are a good team,” head coach Joe Scott said. “Generally, our preparation was good. Rebounding has to become a focus for us, and hopefully, as we move through the year, our shooting will come around.”

The Golden Bears (2-0) took a commanding first half lead as the Pioneers (0-1) shot just 20.8 percent (5-of-24) from the field, and the Golden Bears led 35-18 at halftime after making 59.1 percent (13-of-22) from the floor.

Redshirt sophomore Marcus Byrd (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) added 10 points, and senior forward Chris Udofia (Irving, Texas) blocked a game-high five shots.

Denver improved in the second half, shooting 50.0 percent (11-of-22) after the break, but the Bears doubled up DU 40-20 in rebounding and shot 50.0 percent (28-of-56) in the game.

The Pioneers return home for their home opener against Stanford on Sunday at 12 p.m. MT.  

Individual game tickets for men's basketball are on sale now with prices starting at $9 for adults. Single-game tickets can be purchased in person at the Ritchie Center Box Office, by phone at 303-871-2336 or online at DenverPioneers.com/tickets. DU students are admitted to all Denver men's basketball games FREE with their Pioneer Card.

Group tickets are available for parties of 20 or more for a reduced price. Men's basketball lower bowl group tickets are $7. For more questions or to place a group ticket order, contact Adam Sizemore at adam.sizemore@du.edu or (303) 871-HOOP.

Season tickets for the 2013-14 Denver men’s basketball season are currently on sale with ticket packages start at just $77. For ticket information, please visit DenverPioneers.com or call the Pioneer Basketball Ticket Hotline at (303) 871-HOOP. DU continues its commitment to provide the community with the most affordable and exciting entertainment in the Denver metro area.

Visit DenverPioneers.com for complete coverage of all 17 of DU's NCAA Division I sports.

—  www.DenverPioneers.com  —

Like Denver Pioneers and Denver Men's Basketball on Facebook

Follow @DU_Pioneers and @DU_MHoops on Twitter