DENVER – The University of Denver men's basketball team gave the fans in attendance in Magness Arena on Thursday a treat, putting on a spectacle en route to routing Western Illinois, 74-46. The Pioneers had three players finish in double figures in the win.

DU allowed a season-low 46 points in the victory while also picking up a season-high 12 steals.

David Nzekwesi was the leading scorer for the Crimson and Gold, finishing with a team-high 20 points and seven rebounds.

Joe Rosga scored 19 points, surpassing the 1,600 point marker in his career, just the third player fourth player in program history to accomplish the feat.

Ade Murkey chipped in with 10 points off the bench.

Denver opened strong, taking a 16-9 advantage by the first media break. Nzekwesi provided the spark to the Pioneers fast open, scoring eight quick points, highlighted by two made 3s.

DU kept its foot on the gas, being aggressive on defensive end to hold Western Illinois scoreless for long stretches at a time. The impressive defense allowed for the Crimson and Gold to push their lead into double figures.

A solid final minutes to close out the half gave DU a 34-20 lead at the break.

Denver limited the Leathernecks to just 30 percent (9-for-30) shooting from the field.

Rosga and Nzekwesi were on point in the first half, combining for 16 of the Pioneers' 34 points.

WIU started the second half with a quick 5-0 run before DU took a quick timeout to regroup.

The Crimson and Gold though, bounced back minutes later, erupting with game-changing highlight plays from Donoven Carlisle, Ronnie Harrell Jr., Rosga and Murkey to push its lead back up to 17 by the under-12 media highlight.

Denver kept the pressure on, going on another big run that pushed the lead to 27 at 63-36 after a layup from Harrell Jr. In total, it was part of a 40-16 run to end the game.

The Pioneers kept the game in control the rest of the way, going on to secure the first and keep their postseason chances alive.

UP NEXT
Denver (8-21, 3-12 Summit League) looks to lock up a spot in the Summit League Championship with a win on Saturday against Omaha. Tip is set for 1 p.m. MT and 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.