DENVER- The University of Denver men's basketball team used a strong offensive performance in the second half to take down Utah Valley 74-62 in its home opener on Saturday afternoon at Magness Arena.

DU improves to 1-1 on the season while Utah Valley falls to 1-1.

Sophomore guard Joseph Lanzi had a career day, leading the Pioneers offensively, scoring 20 points on 8-for-9 from the field. The Alabama native was a perfect 4-for-4 beyond the arc. Sophomore Jase Townsend chipped in 18 points and five rebounds.

Senior, Ade Murkey led the Pioneers on the glass with six rebounds to go along with three assists and nine points.   

The Wolverines were led by Brandon Averette who had a team high 17 points.

Utah Valley came out strong and was able to hold the lead through the opening 10 minutes of play. Denver took over with 10:32 remaining in the half following a layup from David Nzekwesi. With two deadlocked scores at 22 and 26, the Pioneers used a 6-0 run to take a 32-26 lead. Consecutive layups from DU and a free throw as time expired, sent Denver into the break holding a 39-30 advantage.

Utah Valley used six points early in the second half to cut the deficit to 41-37 and continued the momentum into a 5-0 run to tie things at 43. A Taelyr Gatlin three pointer and a jumper form Murkey helped re-establish the Pios lead at 51-50. Back-to-back triples from Lanzi propelled Denver to a seven point lead at 57-50 before the Crimson and Gold exploded for a 12-4 run to take a 69-55 lead with 2:44 remaining, driving them to a 74-62 victory.

The Pios will return to action in Logan, Utah on Tuesday to face no. 19 Utah State (7 PM MT).

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