BOX SCORE

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The University of Denver men's basketball team just couldn't find its rhythm from the past five games, falling 76-58 to No. 2 seed South Dakota on Monday at the Sanford Premier Center. The Pioneers dropped to 15-15 on the year while South Dakota goes to 26-7.

Senior Daniel Amigo led the way for DU, notching his seventh double-double of the season with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Ade Murkey added 10 points and six rebounds.

The Crimson and Gold tied a season low with 58 points in the loss.

Both teams each came out a little nervous, resulting in a one-point game by the first media timeout. Neither team had it going, combining for 2-for-11 shooting.

South Dakota made its move after that, going on a 16-6 run that forced the Pioneers to take a timeout and regroup, trailing 20-9. First-team All-Summit League selection Matt Mooney did most of the damage scoring in a variety of ways to give the Coyotes their double-digit advantage.

A put-back basket from Abiola Akintola snapped a 20-4 USD run at the 8:06 mark.

South Dakota didn't cool down, making shot after shot, building its lead to as many as 22 after a deep 3 from Mooney with 5:30 left in the half.

The Coyotes held that lead all the way the rest of the period, going into the half up 47-25.

The second half started with both teams trading buckets but Denver made up no ground.

USD pushed its lead to as large as 26 en route to the win.

Progress is Progress

The Pioneers, despite a slow start, showcased what they can be in the future. The 8-3 record over its last 11 games showed a style on both offense and defense that will be needed in a challenging and physical Summit League in upcoming seasons. DU also finished with the No. 3 seed, something that it has never done since joining back in 2013.

Up Next

The Crimson and Gold will now see if there is any postseason play lined up for the rest of the year.

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.

Student-Athlete Alumni Giving Challenge:

In 2017-18, the University of Denver is holding an alumni giving challenge in an effort to increase student-athlete alumni participation in the Denver Athletics Annual Fund. The sport program with the highest percentage of alumni participation will receive an additional $10,000 of support through the generosity of an anonymous donor. Former student-athletes can make a gift online, by calling 303-871-2388 during normal business hours or by sending a check to:

Athletics Development Office
Attn: Kaley Rickert
2201 E. Asbury Avenue
Denver, CO 80208

JOIN THE PIONEER NATION

Like Denver Pioneers, Denver Men's Basketballon Facebook

Follow @DU_Pioneers, @DU_MHoops on Twitter

Follow denverpioneers, du_mhoops on Instagram