BOX SCORE

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - The University of Denver men's basketball team fought hard but couldn't overcome the size and athleticism of Texas A&M on Wednesday, losing 80-58 at Reed Arena. The Pioneers dropped to 3-5 on the year with the loss.

The defense of the Aggies gave DU fits throughout the night, holding it to a season-low 35.2 percent shooting from the field.

Joe Rosga led the charge, pouring in a game-high 24 points, his third game this year scoring at least 22. The St. Paul native once again showed off his range, knocking down four 3s in the contest.

JC Hampton put up a career-high 21 in the victory.

The Denver defense came to play right out the gate, holding TAMU to just 33 percent shooting in the first four minutes, keeping a stale offensive performance on the other end at bay. The Pioneers trailed 5-3 at the first media timeout.

A 3 from Daniel Amigo tied things up at 7-7 and gave the tall Texas native his first made 3-pointer of his collegiate career.

Another 3-pointer by Rosga shortly after gave DU its only lead of the evening at 10-9.

Texas A&M found the separation it was looking midway through the half, using a 10-0 run over a 4:49 stretch that pushed its lead to nine.

Denver didn't get any closer than seven the rest of the half, trailing 34-23 at the break.

The Pioneers' 23 points set a new season low for points in a half.

Rosga was the bright spot for DU in the opening 20 minutes, scoring 17 points on an efficient 6-of-8 shooting (75 percent).

Denver came out attacking to start the second half, scoring quickly with baskets from C.J. Bobbitt, Jake Pemberton, and Amigo, keeping it an 11-point game.

The Aggies made their move after that with a 10-2 run in 1:42 to extend their lead to 21 with 14:16 remaining.

The Pioneers would cut it to 14 but couldn't get any closer, falling 80-58.

Up Next
DU heads back to Colorado for a meeting against Air Force on Saturday in Colorado Springs. Tip is set for 12 p.m. MT.

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