DENVER – The University of Denver men's basketball team narrowly missed out on a historic comeback on Saturday in Magness Arena, almost erasing a 17-point deficit in the second half before falling 79-75 to Air Force. The loss dropped the Pioneers to 4-8 on the year and improved the Falcons to 5-6.

Denver had its best outing from beyond the arc, knocking down a season-best 11 3s in the loss.

For a second straight game, the combination of Ade Murkey and Jase Townsend was something to behold, with the teammates combining for 49 points, highlighted by Murkey's season-high 26 points.

The athletic guard from Minnesota also handed out a season-high six assists.

Townsend again was on from deep, going 6-for-8 from 3, the most made 3s by a DU player since Ronnie Harrell Jr. knocked down six almost a year ago in a win against Montana State.

Ray Kowalski had a season-high 10 points off the bench for the Crimson and Gold.

AF had four players in double figures, with a team-high 19 points coming from AJ Walker.

An aggressive start from Murkey helped keep Denver close in the opening minutes. The senior scored seven of the Pioneers' first 14 as DU trailed by five at the under-12 media timeout, 19-14.

The Falcons got some separation due to hot shooting from beyond the arc, pushing the lead out  to 15, its largest of the half, after a layup from Lavelle Scottie at the 6:16 mark.

AF held its lead from there, taking a 14-point advantage into break, 45-31.

Long-range shooting was the difference, with Air Force going 10-for-16 from 3 in the half.

The combination of Murkey and Townsend combined for 19 points in the opening 20 minutes.

In the second half, Denver showed its mettle, something it has done on numerous occasions this season, using a 24-7 run over a 9:23 span to tie that game up at 58-58 after trailing by 17 in the early moments of the period.

The Falcons responded though with a 9-0 run to push it to a three-possession game at 67-58, forcing the Pioneers to call a timeout.

DU got another chance late, cutting the AF lead to two at 77-75 after a Kowalski 3 with six seconds left. Air Force, though, made its two free throws on the ensuing play as Denver was forced to foul, sealing the victory.


UP NEXT:
Denver hits the road for a meeting with Northern Colorado on Tuesday. Game is set for 7 pm MT.

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

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