DENVER - The University of Denver men's basketball team took down Western Colorado on Saturday, 72-55 in Hamilton Gymnasium. The Pioneers improved to 2-2 on the year while the Mountaineers fell to 0-3.

The 55 points were the fewest allowed by DU since a 74-46 victory against Western Illinois back on Feb. 28, 2019.

The Pioneers were led by sophomore Jase Townsend, who recorded his first collegiate double-double with a career-high 21 points and 10 rebounds. The Dallas native had the sweet-shooting stroke going, finishing 8-for-16 from the field, including a 3-for-5 effort from beyond the arc.

Robert Jones had a season-high 12 points to go with five rebounds.

The Crimson and Gold's defense was stout throughout the afternoon, forcing WCU into tough shots and making them pretty much play on the perimeter all day. Denver held Western Colorado to 31.5 percent from the field (17-for-54).

Roscoe Eastmond handed out a season-best five assists.

The Mountaineers were led by a team-high 19 points from Cole Sienknecht.

Denver was aggressive on offense in the first half, getting to the line 16 times in opening 20 minutes of action.

The Pioneers' lead got to as large as 20 midway through the second half after a pair of free throws from Townsend made it 62-42.

WCU, however, closed late, cutting the DU lead to 10 with 5:20 left in regulation.

But a jumper from Taelyr Gatlin ended that run and Western Colorado never got any closer the rest of the way.

UP NEXT:
Denver hits the road for a four-game trip in the state of California. First up, a showdown with UC Riverside on Nov. 23. Tip is set for 5 pm MT.

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

DONATE:
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.