LOS ANGELES – The University of Denver men's basketball team fought tough before falling in the second half to UCLA on Sunday at Pauley Pavilion, 81-62. The Pioneers dropped to 4-6 on the year while the Bruins improved to 7-3.

DU got a season-high 18 points from Ade Murkey, who turned in his best performance of the season. It was the fourth straight game for the senior with at least 15 points.

Jase Townsend was the Crimson and Gold's other player to finish in double figures, finishing with 10 points.

Denver tied a season high with seven made 3s.

The Bruins were led by Cody Riley's 21-point, 11-rebound double-double.

UCLA opened quick, going on an 11-0 run before a bucket from Murkey got the Pioneers on the board. Murkey's basket created a rare five-point play opportunity, which DU took advantage of, with Jaylen Hill getting a technical on the layup and foul. Townsend converted the two at the line.

Denver closed to within two after a 3 from Townsend made it 13-11, giving the Dallas native his first points of the afternoon.

Pioneers kept it close through eight minutes, trailing 19-14 at the under-12 media thanks to some strong outside shooting from Townsend and Murkey, who combined to score the first 14 points.

A left corner 3 from Joseph Lanzi made it a one-point contest at 24-23 with 7:56 left in the first 20 minutes of play.

The Crimson and Gold held tough, keeping it close until a late 7-0 run from UCLA made it a 43-32 game at the half.

Shooting was key for Denver in the first period, going 10-for-19 (52.6 percent) from the field, highlighted by a 6-for-9 (66.6 percent) effort from beyond the arc.

Murkey made his presence felt in the half, scoring 13 points while going 5-for-7. The senior was aggressive and got the rim routinely against an athletic Bruin frontcourt.

UCLA found separation with a 7-0 run of its own to push lead to 58-41. The run was sparked with some hot shooting for the Bruins.

DU, though, continued to fight, getting some nice second-effort plays from Murkey, Robert Jones and David Nzekwesi, cutting the lead to 14 with 7:47 remaining, down 68-54.

The Bruins wouldn't let Denver get any closer, going on to get the victory.
 
UP NEXT:
Denver heads home for a meeting with New Mexico State on Tuesday in Magness Arena. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. MT 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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