VERMILLION, S.D. – University of Denver junior Brett Olson (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) scored a game-high 22 points, but the Pioneers fell 59-54 in The Summit League opener against South Dakota at the DakotaDome on Saturday afternoon.

Senior Chris Udofia (Irving, Texas) added 10 points, six rebounds, three blocks and three steals for the Pioneers (7-9, 0-1 Summit).

South Dakota (6-9, 1-0 Summit) used hot shooting, hitting 56.8 percent (21-of-37) from the field to take a lead as large as 11 with 11:43 left in the second half.

Denver clawed back with an 8-1 run, including a three-pointer and two free throws, that cut the deficit to just three with 64 seconds remaining. However, DU could not capitalize after causing two Coyote turnovers, and USD’s Brandon Bos hit a pair of free throws with 12 seconds left that sealed the win.

The Pioneers shot 39.1 percent (18-of-46) from the floor, but in the second half they hit just 27.3 percent (6-of-22) from the field and 10.0 percent (1-of-10) from three-point range.

South Dakota center Trevor Gruis led the Coyotes with 19 points and 10 rebounds, and Bos had 15 points.

The Pioneers shot 50.0 percent (12-of-24) in the first half, including six three-pointers. However, the Coyotes hit 62.4 percent (12-of-19) of their shots and took a 34-31 lead into halftime.

Denver return home next weekend for a pair of Summit League games at Magness Arena. The Pioneers will host Fort Wayne on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. MT, before taking on IUPUI on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 4 p.m. MT. The games will air live Mile High Sports Radio AM 1510 and 93.7 FM.

Individual home 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.

DU continues its commitment to provide the community with the most affordable and exciting entertainment in the Denver metro area.

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