DENVER – The University of Denver men's basketball team fell 93-87 to South Dakota on Thursday in Magness Arena. The Pioneers were led by a season-high 28 points from Ade Murkey.

The senior now sits tied for 32nd overall in the all-time scoring in program history with 1,052 points.

Jase Townsend, despite foul trouble all game, added 16 points and five rebounds in 22 minutes of action.

Roscoe Eastmond continued to show his potential, firing in a career-best 16 points. The former Wheeler High standout also added five rebounds and four assists.

The Coyotes were led by preseason Summit League Player of the Year Stanley Umude's 23 point, 13-rebound double-double.

Both teams combined to shoot 71 free throws in a contest plagued with fouls throughout the night.

Denver got the start it was looking for, jumping out to 18-10 lead after terrific find and finish from Eastmond to Tristan Green capped off a fast break.

Pioneers pushed the lead to double digits after a layup from Townsend made it 26-16, giving the sophomore his eighth point of the half.

A deep 3 from Eastmond gave DU its largest lead of the half at 37-26.

However, South Dakota worked its way back into the game, tying it at the half at 41-41 after a 15-4 run over the final 4:18.

Murkey had it rolling in the opening 20 minutes, scoring 15 points on 6-for-10 shooting.

South Dakota found some separation midway through the second half, building a six-point lead after a bucket from Umude.

DU was able to make things close late, getting back to within five points on a made field goal from Murkey at the 1:04 mark.

USD, though, was able to make its free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.

UP NEXT:
Denver (5-18, 1-8 Summit League) hits the road for a quick one-game trip to Tulsa, Okla. for a meeting with Oral Roberts on Saturday. Game is set for 6 p.m. MT.

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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