FORT WAYNE, Ind. – University of Denver junior Brett Olson (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) and sophomore Bryant Rucker (Frisco, Texas) scored 18 points apiece, as the Pioneers beat Fort Wayne 73-62 at Gates Sports Center on Saturday night.

Senior Chris Udofia (Irving, Texas) added 16 points and five assists, while Olson also set a career high with six rebounds for the Pioneers (13-12, 6-4 Summit League).

“Our guys were really something tonight. That’s a really good team that we just beat,” said head coach Joe Scott. “Having our guys bounce back after a disappointing loss showed our team’s competitiveness. Tonight was important because it showed how good we have gotten over the last few weeks, and hopefully we will maintain this through the stretch run.”

Denver shot 54.5 percent (24-of-44) from the field and 52.4 percent (11-of-21) from three-point range. Fort Wayne (19-9, 7-4 Summit League) was 22-of-44 (50.0 percent) from the floor and 6-of-20 (30.0 percent) from three-point range.

The Pioneers led by as many as 13 with 13:42 left in the game, but Fort Wayne ripped off a 15-5 run to cut DU’s lead to just three with 8:07 on the clock.

However, Denver responded with a 17-10 run to end the game and seal the win. 

The Pioneers scored 19 points off 17 turnovers by IPFW, while the Matadors scored 16 second chance points and out-rebounded Denver 31-16.

In the first half, the Pioneers went 13-of-23 (56.5 percent) from the field, including seven three-pointers, to take a 35-25 lead into the break.

Denver returns home for its final two home games, when the Pioneers take on Western Illinois on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. MT, and Omaha on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. MT. The game against WIU will be webcast live on Pioneer Vision, while Saturday’s Senior Night game against Omaha will air live on ROOT Sports. Both games also will air live on 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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