DENVER – The University of Denver men's basketball team fought hard before ultimately falling in overtime to Wyoming on Saturday in Magness Arena, 72-66. The Pioneers wrap up the non-league portion of their schedule at 4-10.

Jase Townsend continued his string of strong offensive performances, scoring a game-high 24 points in the loss. It was the third time in the last four games, the Dallas native has recorded at least 20 points.

David Nzekwesi had his best game yet this year, finishing with 15 points and 12 rebounds to notch his first double-double on the season.

Ade Murkey added 13 points to go with eight rebounds in 35 minutes of action.

The Cowboys were led by Hunter Maldonado's 20 points.

Both teams came out trading buckets in a defensive battle, with Denver fighting to a one-point advantage at 15-14 by the under-12 media timeout. Three-point shooting was key in the opening nine minutes with the Pioneers going 4-for-8 from beyond the arc.

Pioneers pushed their lead to five, biggest of the half, after a layup from Robert Jones made it 24-19 with just over eight minutes left in the half.

Wyoming countered with a 9-0 run to take a four-point lead at 28-24.

The Cowboys pushed their advantage to eight by the break, 34-26.

DU fought itself back into this one a little over halfway through the second half, closing to within three at 49-46 after Taelyr Gatlin converted two out of three free throws at the line.
Nzekwesi tied things up the very next trip down the court, drilling his second 3 on the day to tie things up at 49-49, forcing Wyoming to call a timeout.

The Crimson and Gold had a chance at victory late in regulation, missing on a take to the rim by Murkey with two seconds left, forcing overtime.

Wyoming set the tone right out the gate in the extra period, going on a 9-0 run that made it a 67-58 contest with 2:46 remaining.

Denver closed to within late after a basket in the paint made it 68-66 with 56 seconds remaining.

But the Cowboys made their free throws after being fouled by the Pioneers, securing the win.

UP NEXT:
Denver (4-10) returns to action on Dec. 29 to open Summit League play against North Dakota State in Magness Arena.  Game is set for 3:30 p.m. MT tip and can be seen on Altitude 2.
 
TICKETS:
For all Denver Athletics ticket inquires, call 303-871-GOAL (4625), or visit DenverPioneers.com.

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