DENVER – Behind senior Madison Nelson's career-high 33-point performance, the University of Denver women's basketball team battled to a 66-60 win over Omaha on Saturday in Hamilton Gymnasium.

Nelson recorded her 11th double-double of the season with her career-high 33 points and 11 rebounds.

Freshman Uju Ezeudu added 12 points and nine boards in the victory.

The two teams saw five lead changes and two ties in the first 3:36 of play before Denver took a 13-7 lead to the media timeout. The DU defense held Omaha scoreless for the final 2:15 of the opening quarter to take a 15-13 lead to the second.

Omaha went on a 7-0 run over a 2:21 period to take a 24-23 lead to the media timeout. Jasmine Jeffcoat went 1-of-2 at the free throw line with 2:44 left in the first half to knot the game at 24-24 as the Pioneers went on to hold a 32-29 advantage after the first 20 minutes.

A Claire Killian 3 at the 6:48 mark of the third quarter gave the Mavericks the lead, but Ezeudu regained Denver's lead just 35 seconds later. The Crimson and Gold defense closed out the third quarter strong, holding Omaha without a field goal for the final 5:05 and go into the final quarter ahead 44-42.

Mariah Murdie knocked down a 3 with 8:21 to play, giving Omaha a 50-48 lead. Nelson put Denver back out in front with a layup at the 6:13 mark. Killian hit a three with 1:35 to go in the contest, but the Pioneers held on for the win.

UP NEXT
Denver begins a three game road trip at 6 pm (MT) on Jan. 24 against North Dakota.

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2020 DENVER ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME RECEPTION: Denver announced its 2020 Athletic Hall of Fame class in January. The inductees will be honored on the DU campus May 16. For more information, registration for the reception and donation information, click here. 
 
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