DENVER – A rough first half proved to be too much to overcome for the University of Denver men's basketball team on Wednesday, falling 88-72 to Northern Colorado in Magness Arena. The loss pushed the Pioneers' record to 2-5 on the year, while the Bears improved to 4-1.
Ade Murkey led Denver, putting up a career-best 31 points and six rebounds. The 6-foot-5 guard had his shooting touch going, finishing 13-for-19 from the field. He also added four assists.
Ronnie Harrell Jr. chipped in with 12 points, his sixth game this season in double figures.
Jordan Davis carried the UNC attack with a team-high 25 points to go with five rebounds and six assists.
Northern Colorado jumped out to a five-point advantage midway through the first half with some tough defense against Denver. Davis got to work early, scoring five quick points after being aggressive on the offensive end.
The Bears pushed their lead to 17 after a layup from Brodie Hume, giving him his first two points of the evening.
Davis wrapped up his explosive first half with a 3 from the left wing to put UNC up by 21, its largest of the game.
Harrell Jr. countered with a jumper on the other end to put the halftime score at, 48-29.
The Pioneers came out and responded to open the second half, using a 13-5 run to force Northern Colorado to take a timeout and regroup.
DU dialed up its deep ball early, knocking down four triples in the first six minutes.
Murkey was instrumental in leading the Crimson and Gold comeback, getting to the rim and finishing, helping cut the Bears' lead down to 7 at 59-52 with 12:07 left in regulation.
UNC, though, wouldn't' let Denver get closer, going on a 9-0 run to push its lead back to 16, giving them the separation that they were looking for.
The Pioneers never got any closer than 13 the rest of the way, giving Northern Colorado the double-digit victory.
Up next
DU hits the road for a game with Utah Valley on Saturday. Tip is set for 7 p.m. and can be seen on WAC Digital Network.
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.
