KANSAS CITY, Missouri – The University of Denver women's basketball team fell in its season opener 83-79 to the Kansas City Roos on Tuesday night at the Swinney Center.

Freshman Uju Ezeudu garnered her first career double-double with a team-high 20 points and game-high 13 rebounds in 23 minutes. Ezeudu and senior Madison Nelson each scored 10 points in their first 10 minutes of action, while Nelson tallied 14 in 15 minutes in the first half.

Denver jumped out to a 14-4 lead to open the game to force a Kansas City timeout at the 8:30 mark. Nelson and Ezeudu combined for all 12 of Denver's points to start the game. Tajah Foster-Walker made a jumper and free throw with two minutes to go in the quarter, giving the Roos a two-point lead. A Tsimba Malonga free throw with 33 seconds to go gave Denver a 21-18 lead heading into the second quarter.

After Denver held the lead for 15:54 in the first half, Emily Ivory hit a three for the Roos with 52 seconds to go in the half to put them ahead by three. Briana Johnson drove down the lane for a made layup to cut the deficit to one with 40 seconds left. The Crimson and Gold defense forced a shot clock violation with seven seconds to go, heading into halftime trailing 40-39.

The teams traded baskets in the third quarter with the largest lead being four points held by the Roos. Kansas City's Christina Soriano converted both free throws with 15 seconds to go before Malonga nailed a three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Pioneers a 58-57 lead going into the final quarter.

Kansas City took a one point lead just 19 seconds into the fourth quarter and never looked back, going on to win 83-79.

UP NEXT
The Pioneers return home for their home opener on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. (MT) against New Mexico State in Magness Arena.

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.