MACOMB, Ill. – The University of Denver men's basketball team narrowly fell at Western Illinois on Saturday in Western Hall despite a strong second half, 86-80. The Pioneers had three players score in double figures in the loss.

Jase Townsend powered the DU attack, pouring in a game-high 28 points on 11-for-19 shooting, marking his seventh game this year with at least 20 points.

Robert Jones added 13 points and seven rebounds.

Ben Pyle had a team-high 21 points for the Leathernecks.

Western Illinois raced out to a 12-4 advantage by the first media timeout. Solid start from the Leathernecks was the result of good shooting, going 5-for-8 in the opening four minutes.

WIU made a move midway through the opening half of action, getting its first double-digit of the day after a layup from Anthony Jones at the 7:46 mark.

The Leathernecks lead grew to as many as 20 before Denver made a little run before half to make it a 15-point contest at the break, 50-35.

Townsend was a bright spot for the Pioneers, recording 10 points on 5-of-9 shooting in the period.

Made 3s were the story in the first half, with Western Illinois knocking down seven to Denver's one make.

The Crimson and Gold came out though and responded, going on a 14-5 run to make it a two-possession game at 55-49, forcing Western Illinois to take a timeout.

DU did make it a one-possession game at 58-55 after a three-point play from Ade Murkey.

But the Leathernecks pushed away with an 18-10 run over the next several minutes, taking an 11-point lead at 76-65 with five minutes remaining.

Denver, though, refused to go away, closing to one after a 3 from Townsend made it 79-78 with 53 seconds left in regulation. It was the third made 3 of the day for the Dallas native.

WIU answered with a Pyle 3 on the other end though, making it a two-possession game.

The Pioneers wouldn't get any closer the rest of the way.

UP NEXT:
Denver (4-15, 0-5 Summit League) gets a nice rest and returns home for a weekend meeting with Omaha on Jan. 18. Game is set for 1 p.m. in Hamilton Gymnasium as part of a doubleheader with the women's team.

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