DENVER – The University of Denver women's basketball team will kick off Summit League play on Friday evening at Omaha at 4 pm MT.

DU went 7-6 during their non-conference schedule but currently ride a four-game losing streak that includes three losses by less than five points. Head coach Jim Turgeon's team averages 82.5 points per game and 43.2 percent from the field while making 9.8 3s per contest. Lauren Loven (15.7 points per game), Madison Nelson (15.2 points per game), Claire Gritt (12.2 points per game), Courtney Smith (11.8 points per game) and Samantha Romanowski (11.3 points per game) lead the fast-paced pioneers in scoring. The Crimson and Gold rank inside the top 50 in the country in 12 categories including points per game, 3s per game and blocked shots. Denver will try and start league play hot after finishing 7-7 in Turgeon's first season at the helm.

Omaha is 5-7 but on a three-game skid that dates back to December 9^th when the Mavericks downed CSU Bakersfield 53-46. Omaha averages just 58.8 points per game while allowing opponents to score 60 points per game. The Mavericks shoot 38.9 percent from the floor and 27.6 percent from downtown as four players average over 8 points. Rayanna Carter is the team's leading scorer with 9.1 points per game and Josie Filer controls the glass, averaging 8.3 boards per game. Fifth-year head coach Brittany Lange's team went just 3-11 in the Summit League last season and will look to get off to a strong start.

DENVER ATHLETICS TICKETS: For all Denver Athletics ticket inquiries, call 303-871-GOAL (4625), or visit DenverPioneers.com.

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