MACOMB, Ill. – The University of Denver men's basketball team couldn't withstand a strong second-half start from Western Illinois on Sunday, falling78-60 in Western Hall.
Ade Murkey led the Pioneers with 15 points.
Ronnie Harrell Jr. added 10 points.
Kobe Webster powered the Leatherneck offense with a game-high 22 points.
Both teams traded baskets in the first five minutes, with Denver taking a one-point advantage into the first media timeout. Ball movement was solid to open, with the Pioneers getting three assists on their first three made field goals.
A 9-0 run from WIU pushed its lead to eight at 16-8, forcing DU to take a timeout to regroup.
The Crimson and Gold responded with a 12-2 run of its own to retake the lead at 20-18 after a made layup from
David Nzekwesi.
Western Illinois closed strong, finishing with a five-point lead at the break, 36-31.
The Leathernecks had good shooting in the opening 20 minutes, going 14-for-29 (48.3 percent) from the field, a trend that has plagued Denver this season.
In the second half, the Pioneers tied up the contest at 42-42 after back-to-back good plays from
Taelyr Gatlin, who took a charge on the defensive end and then drilled a 3 on the other end.
WIU got some separation from there, going on a 12-2 run to take a double-digit lead for the first time in the afternoon.
Western Illinois just kept building its lead from there, getting the win.
UP NEXT
The Pioneers return home for two games this week. First up, a meeting with South Dakota on Wednesday. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. MT and can be seen on Altitude.
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