DENVER – The University of Denver men's basketball team didn't go away without a fight on Tuesday, nearly coming back from down 18 before falling 72-67 to New Mexico State in Magness Arena. The Pioneers fell to 4-7 on the year while the Aggies improved to 6-5.

The loss was the first at home this season for the Crimson and Gold.

DU was led by the duo of Ade Murkey and Jase Townsend, who combined for 51 points on the night. Townsend's 29 points were a new career high, which included knocking down five 3s.

Murkey's 22 points marked a new season high. The senior also finished with four steals, tying a career high.

NMSU was led by 18 points from Jabari Rice.

New Mexico State used a 7-2 run to start the evening, limiting Denver to a 1-for-5 shooting performance in the first four minutes of the game.

The Aggies pushed their lead to double digits after a 3 from Shawn Williams at the 12:40 mark, making it 19-8.

NMSU's lead grew to as large as 18 by the midway point in the opening half, but the Pioneers closed strong with a 6-0 run that was capped off by a Murkey jumper in the paint, going into the half trailing 37-28.

Townsend helped keep the Crimson and Gold going with some offensive firepower, scoring 12 points on 5-for-9 shooting.

Hot shooting from deep was a key for New Mexico State, who knocked down seven 3s in the half.

The Aggies pushed the lead back to 15 right out of the gate in the second half, taking a 43-28 advantage forcing Denver to call a timeout to regroup.

But the Pioneers responded, a theme this season, closing to within eight after Townsend drilled his third 3-pointer of the game to make it 45-37 with just over 13 minutes left on the clock.

NMSU countered with a game-changing 7-0 run that pushed the lead back to 15 at 54-39 by the under-eight media timeout. The run was powered by the play of Trevelin Queen, who got a dunk and a 3 during the stretch.

Once again, DU showed it refused to go away, closing the gap to within four points late after a deep 3 from Townsend made it 69-65 with 24 seconds left. The long-range dagger was the fifth made triple of the night for the sophomore from Dallas.

Denver was forced to foul the rest of the way and New Mexico State converted at the line, holding off the second-half rally on the way to the win.

UP NEXT:
Denver stays home for a showdown with regional foe Air Force on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. MT and can be seen on Altitude.

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

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