WBB v Long Beach State (28 DEC 15) - Highlights
WBB v Long Beach State (28 DEC 15) - Post Game
WBB v Long Beach State (28 DEC 15) - Full Game

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DENVER - Despite having only seven players, the University of Denver women's basketball team fought valiantly in a 48-41 loss to Long Beach State on Monday night at Magness Arena. The Pioneers hung tough behind another strong performance on the defensive end, holding the 49ers to their second-lowest point output of the year.

The Pioneers had all seven players score in the contest, led by a game-high nine points by Jacqlyn Poss (Shoreview, Minn.) and Maya Rodgers (Meridian, Idaho), who made her first collegiate start of her career.

Jordyn Alt (North Oaks, Minn.) just missed out on her second double-double of the year, finishing with eight points and a season-most 12 rebounds in 35 minutes of play for Denver.

LBSU was led by nine points from Raven Benton.

Neither team could find separation in the first quarter, resulting in a 9-9 tie through the first 10 minutes of play. Scoring was very hard to come by due to solid defense displayed by each team. The Pioneers were able to get four players to score in the quarter, using a balanced attack on offense, despite being limited with available bodies to play.

DU made a big push in the second, racing out to a nine-point lead after a made jumper from Alt, her sixth point in the half. The sophomore's solid start was a part of a 17-point quarter for Denver, who went into the half leading 26-21.

Defense was the tale of the half, with the Pioneers holding Long Beach State to just 25.8 percent (8-of-31) shooting in the opening 20 minutes. DU also was able to handle itself on the glass, outrebounding Long Beach State 23-17, limiting second-chance opportunities.

Two quick 3s by Rodgers and Poss helped Denver push its lead to nine in the third at 34-25. Poss' long ball was the first make from beyond the arc in the evening for the Shoreview, Minn. native.

The 49ers fought their way back to take a one-point lead at 35-34 after a 10-0 run late in the quarter, their first lead since the 7:40 mark in the first quarter. LBSU kept its strong play going to end the third with a two-point advantage.

The late-game dramatics tried to show up in the fourth with Paige Bradley (The Woodlands, Texas) tying up the game at the 41-41. Unfortunately, those would be the last two points of the game for the Pioneers, going scoreless the final 3:52 and being forced to foul Long Beach State, who went on to convert its free throws to pick up the win.

Up Next

Denver (2-11) starts league play by hosting South Dakota State on Wednesday. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. MT at Magness Arena.

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