DENVER – The University of Denver men's basketball team used a late-game run on the way to a 67-58 victory against Jackson State on Tuesday in Magness Arena. The Pioneers jumped to 4-5 on the season while the Tigers slipped to 1-8.

DU shot a season-high 54.3 percent from the field in the victory, including going 6-for-13 from the 3-point line.

Jase Townsend led the way for the Crimson and Gold, scoring a team-high 17 points to go with seven rebounds and seven assists. The seven assists were a new career best from the sophomore.

Ade Murkey added 17 points, his third straight game scoring at least 15.

David Nzekwesi notched 10 points off the bench.

JSU was led a game-high 18 points from Tristan Jarrett.

The Pioneers again showed their improved perimeter defense, limiting the Tigers to 2-for-24 (8.3 percent) from beyond the arc.

DU now has gone 40-15 under head coach Rodney Billups when holding teams to 78 points or less in a contest.

Jackson State raced out to a 12-5 lead early due to turnover issues by Denver. The Pioneers responded with a 6-0 run to close the gap to within one after a Townsend 3 made it 12-11 on a great find in transition from Joseph Lanzi.

DU got hot late in the half, going on a 7-0 run to close out the opening period up 34-26.

The Crimson and Gold started fast in the second half, quickly pushing the lead to 12 after a jumper from Murkey made it 38-26, upping his total to six in the contest.

Denver then battled a rough patch of play that allowed for the Tigers to close within two after a Venjie Wallis layup made it 60-58 with 1:35 left on the clock.

The Pioneers, though, responded by breaking the press and getting to the line and converting, securing the victory.

UP NEXT:
Denver makes a quick trip to Los Angeles for a meeting with UCLA on Sunday. Tip is set for 3 pm MT and can be seen on the Pac-12 Network.

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

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