GRAND FORKS, N.D.  – The University of Denver men's basketball team lost to North Dakota Saturday in the Betty Englestad Sioux Center, 81-63. The Pioneers got a game-high 19 points from freshman forward David Nzekwesi.

Alperen Kurnaz added nine points in his second start of the year to go with eight rebounds, narrowly missing out on his first collegiate double-double.

The Fighting Hawks had five players score in double figures, with Kienan Walter leading the way with 19.

Kurnaz got himself going early, scoring the first six Denver points of the afternoon. The Turkey native showed the all-hustle mentality he had displayed all year, getting his points in a variety of ways.

North Dakota found separation with a 7-0 run to build a double-digit lead at 17-6 by the 12:12 mark, forcing the Pioneers to take a timeout.

DU, though, worked itself back in this one with a 14-6 run of its own. Carlisle, coming off the bench, provided a spark, scoring five points in a quick stretch.

A late run from the Fighting Hawks gave them a 14-point edge at the break, up 44-30.

The youth movement of Nzekwesi and Kurnaz had a solid first half, combining for 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting.

In the second half, the Crimson and Gold continued to struggle with guarding the 3, allowing for UND to keep the pressure on and build its lead to as many as 23 midway through the period.

The Pioneers on the offensive end failed to find any sustained rhythm for more than a couple of possessions, being forced into tough shots or turnovers by an aggressive North Dakota defensive unit.

UP NEXT
Denver (7-21, 2-12 Summit League) looks to make one last push to clinch a spot in the Summit League Championship with a two-game homestand this upcoming week. First up, a meeting with Western Illinois on Thursday at 7 p.m. MT in Magness Arena. The game can be seen on Altitude.

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

Register for Alumni Weekend
Denver men's basketball alumni weekend is set for 2019! The men's basketball Alumni Weekend tips off on Thursday night, February 28th as the Pioneers host Western Illinois at 7 p.m. On Friday, Alumni will take the floor at 5 p.m. followed our Senior Recognition Dinner at 7 p.m. with the finale to weekend – DU versus Omaha at 1 p.m. on Saturday. To register for Alumni Weekend – Contact Dwight Thorne II at Dwight.thorne@du.edu or call the basketball office at 303-871-4781. Information is also available at the marketing table in the north endzone of Magness Arena.
 
PIONEER MOVEMENT:
Fans interested in making a donation to the men's basketball program can do so by CLICKING HERE. Your contribution will make a direct impact on the success of YOUR Pioneers. Thank you in advance for your unwavering support of our student-athletes and their quest for excellence.