DENVER – The University of Denver men's basketball team couldn't overcome a sluggish first half on Thursday evening, falling 67-61 to Abilene Christian in Magness Arena. The loss dropped the Pioneers to 1-2 on the year, while the Wildcats remained unbeaten at 3-0.
 
Both Ronnie Harrell Jr. and Joe Rosga each finished with a team-high 12 points, with all of Rosga's baskets coming from beyond the arc.
 
Abiola Akintola provided a spark for DU, finishing with eight points and nine rebounds, both tying a career high.
 
The Crimson and Gold, despite shooting 33.3 percent in the first half, ended up shooting a season-high 49 percent from the field on the night.
 
Payten Ricks led the way for ACU, pouring in a game-high 23 points.
 
Both teams opened to a 6-6 tie at the first media timeout. Rosga was the lone Pioneer to score, knocking down two 3s at the start.
 
Abilene Christian took a four-point advantage after a basket from Damien Daniels made it 22-18 with five minutes left in the opening 20 minutes of action.
 
DU went cold in the late half, going scoreless for the final four minutes to let ACU take a nine-point lead at the break, 30-21.
 
Cold shooting and turnovers cost the Crimson and Gold, going 8-for-24 (33.3 percent) while turning it over 10 times.
 
Akintola went to another level to open the second half, scoring eight of Denver's first 12 points, helping spark new life into the Pioneers.
 
Down five coming out of the under-12 media timeout, DU made it a one-possession game again at 48-45 with 6:35 to go.
 
A 6-0 run in 30 seconds from the Crimson and Gold made it a two-point contest after a 3 from Jake Krafka at the 4:29 mark, upping his total to five on the evening.
 
A layup from Ade Murkey brought Denver to within one point at 57-56, giving the Minneapolis native his ninth point in the game.
 
But a 10-2 run after that from the Wildcats put this one away from there, securing the victory.
 
Up Next
Denver heads to Seattle next week for three games in three days over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. First up, a match-up with Seattle on Friday, Nov. 23. Tip is set for 1 p.m. MT.

TOGETHER 4 COLORADO TOY DRIVE
The Pioneers have partnered with CBS4 for the Together 4 Colorado Toy Drive to support the Denver community during the holiday season. Beginning Nov. 17, there will be toy drops at every Denver Athletics and Newman Center event thru Dec. 19. Additionally, there will be a Community Shop 'n Drop on Saturday, Dec. 15 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., hosted by the Denver Cheerleading squad at the circle drive on the north side of the Ritchie Center.
 
PIONEER MOVEMENT:
Fans interested in making a donation to the men's basketball program can do so by CLICKING HERE. Your contribution will make a direct impact on the success of YOUR Pioneers. Thank you in advance for your unwavering support of our student-athletes and their quest for excellence.