DENVER – All five starters scored in double figures as Denver routed Colorado Mesa 95-79 on Saturday in Hamilton Gymnasium. The Pioneers wrapped up the preseason 2-0 and now set their sights on their season opener on Nov. 5.

Denver was catapulted to a 16-point victory behind five drawn charges from Claire Gritt and a second straight double-double from Uju Ezeudu who led the team with 15 rebounds. Senior guard Lauren Loven scored a team-high 17 points; followed by Madison Nelson with 16, Ezeudu with 15, Briana Johnson with 12, and Gritt with 10. All 10 Pioneers to see action scored in the contest.

Loven knocked down back-to-back 3s to open the game for the Pioneers after they were held scoreless for the first minute of action. The Pioneer defense held Colorado Mesa to a 2:58 scoring drought, while going on a 13-3 run over a four-minute period in the middle of the first quarter.

After taking a nine-point advantage into the second quarter, Colorado Mesa closed the Denver gap to four in the first minute of the second after Morgan Myers made a layup and three-pointer. Denver's defense came up big again to keep the Maverick offense scoreless for 2:25, but Colorado Mesa stayed in the game at the line.

The Pioneers closed the quarter scoreless for the last two minutes, going to halftime trailing 38-37. Freshman forward Ezeudu notched nine points and 10 rebounds in just 13 minutes of action.

Loven opened the second half with a three-pointer that was followed by an Ezeudu steal and a Claire Gritt layup as Denver took a four-point lead to force an early Maverick timeout. The Crimson and Gold closed the third quarter going five-of-seven from the field to jump out to jump out to an 11-point lead, their first double-digit lead of the game.

Denver held the lead for 36:03 and went on to outscore Colorado Mesa 27-22 in the fourth quarter.

UP NEXT
The Pioneers open the season on the road in Kansas City, Missouri on Nov. 5 at 4 p.m. (MT) against the Kansas City Roos.

TICKETS:
For all Denver Athletics ticket inquires, call 303-871-GOAL (4625), or visit DenverPioneers.com. Purchase season tickets for the 2019-20 season by CLICKING HERE.

SHOP PIONEERS:
Get dressed for Game Day! Get your Pioneers gear at ShopPioneers.com, the official online store of University of Denver Athletics.
 
PIONEER MOVEMENT:
Fans interested in making a donation to the women'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.