BROOKINGS, S.D. – The University of Denver men's basketball team fought hard but fell late to Summit League foe South Dakota State on Thursday, 78-66 in Frost Arena. The Pioneers were led by a team-high 16 points from Joe Rosga in the loss.

Ronnie Harrell Jr., back in the starting lineup, added 13 points and six rebounds.

DU had four players finish in double figures.

Reigning two-time Summit League Player of the Year Mike Daum was held to 10 points, his third lowest scoring output this season.

David Jenkins Jr. poured in a game-high 21 points for the Jackrabbits.

Long-distance shooting was on full display in the contest, with the two teams combining to make 23 3s on the evening.

South Dakota State jumped out to a 13-8 advantage despite Denver shooting hot from deep early, highlighted by 3s from Ade Murkey and Donoven Carlisle.

The Pioneers fought back into the game with an 8-0 run capped off by another Carlisle 3-pointer, forcing the Jackrabbits to take a timeout, up 21-18 with 12 minutes left in the half.

SDSU pulled away late in the half, pushing its advantage to double figures by half, leading 47-36.

Outside shooting was the biggest factor in the opening 20 minutes with South Dakota State knocking down 10 3s compared to the DU's six.

The Crimson and Gold though did show some good offensive sets during the period, resulting in open looks from beyond the arc.

Neither team could buy a basket in the first few minutes to start the second half, allowing Denver to get back within nine points after a bucket in the paint from Abiola Akintola.

The Jackrabbits made their move after that, immediately locking down the defensive end of the court and getting into the paint for scores, resulting in their lead going up to 15 halfway through the half.

A deep 3 from Jase Townsend brought the Pioneers back to within 11 and gave the sharpshooting freshman 10 points in the game, his first double-digit scoring game since November.

DU fought hard, though, getting the contest back to within eight points before being forced to play the foul game.

SDSU made its foul shots from there, securing the victory.

UP NEXT
The Pioneers (5-14, 0-5 Summit League) head home for two games next week. First up, a Summit League match-up with North Dakota State on Wednesday. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. and can be seen on Altitude 2.

Register for Alumni Weekend
Denver men's basketball alumni weekend is set for 2019! The men's basketball Alumni Weekend tips off on Thursday night, February 28th as the Pioneers host Western Illinois at 7 p.m. On Friday, Alumni will take the floor at 5 p.m. followed our Senior Recognition Dinner at 7 p.m. with the finale to weekend – DU versus Omaha at 1 p.m. on Saturday. To register for Alumni Weekend – Contact Dwight Thorne II at Dwight.thorne@du.edu or call the basketball office at 303-871-4781. Information is also available at the marketing table in the north endzone of Magness Arena.
 
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