SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Despite overcoming a 14-point first-half deficit, the University of Denver men's basketball team couldn't hang on late, falling 81-64 to Santa Clara on Wednesday afternoon at the Leavey Center. The Pioneers dropped to 2-4 on the year, while the Broncos improved to 6-1.

DU finished with a season-high 19 assists on the day, highlighted by a career-best seven from Roscoe Eastmond, coming off the bench.

Jase Townsend finished with a team-high 15 points, his third game this season in double figures.

Robert Jones chipped in with a career-high 14 points.

Santa Clara opened fast, starting on a 14-0 run to begin the contest. The Broncos used some stifling defense to force the Pioneers into four turnovers early.

Denver, though, responded with some of its best basketball this year, going on a 14-4 run powered by the play of freshmen Eastmond and Jones, who connected of a few great plays resulting in Pioneer points.

SC countered with another run though to push the lead back to double digits at 24-14 after a Josip Vrankic layup at the 7:53 mark.

But the Crimson and Gold showed its resolve, fighting its way back to a five-point deficit by the half, 36-31.

Denver, who went nearly six minutes scoreless to start, got into rhythm after the first media timeout, outscoring Santa Clara 31-22 the rest of the half.

Townsend was a factor in the opening 20 minutes, scoring nine points to go with four rebounds.

The Pioneers came out firing in the second half, taking it to the Bronco defense, resulting in a 10-4 run to start.

A 3 from Townsend at the 17:06 mark gave DU its lone lead at 41-38, giving the Dallas native 15 points on the day.

But a push from the Broncos gave them a six-point advantage at the under-six media timeout, 49-43.

SC continued to find separation from there, going on to get the victory in the first game of the Cable Car Classic.

UP NEXT:
Denver continues the Cable Car Classic with a meeting against Cal State Fullerton on Friday.  Tip is set for 5:30 p.m. MT.

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

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