GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Seniors Madison Nelson and Lauren Loven each scored 20-plus points to lead the University of Denver women's basketball team to a 91-81 win over North Dakota on Friday night in the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center.

Nelson exploded in the second half for 20 points and nine rebounds on her way to her second straight double-double. The Dover, Minnesota native recorded game-highs of 25 points and 14 rebounds.

Loven moved to third in Summit League history with 302 3s made in her career after sinking six in the victory. The senior guard scored 21 points on the night.

Meghan Boyd added 17 points, while Briana Johnson netted 10 in the win.

Denver opened the game shooting 6-of-7 from the field to take a 14-9 lead, forcing a North Dakota timeout at the 6:03 mark after a Claire Gritt steal and Nelson layup.

Jasmine Jeffcoat knocked down two free throws with 5.7 to play in the opening quarter to knot the game at 24-24.

The Fighting Hawks went on an 11-6 run during the opening 5:25 of the second quarter to jump out to a 35-30 advantage at the media timeout. The Pioneers were held scoreless for the final 1:41 of the first half, giving North Dakota a 42-39 lead after 20 minutes.

With 6:38 to play in the third quarter, Loven hit her sixth 3 of the night to put Denver back out in front for the final time of the night at 51-49. Riding a 9-2 run over a 3:18 span, the Crimson and Gold went to the media timeout ahead 55-51 before eventually taking a 60-54 lead to the final quarter.

Denver never surrendered the lead in the fourth quarter to go on to earn the 91-81 win.

UP NEXT
The Pioneers continue their road trip on Sunday at 12 pm (MT) in Fargo, N.D. against North Dakota State.

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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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