DU Drops Close One to NAU

Tuesday, December 22

Denver, Colo.

12 PM MT

University of Denver

1-6,0-0Summit L

Northern Arizona

1-5,0-1Big Sky

Team	1	2	F
Northern Ariz.	30	38	68
DENVER	31	34	65

Photo by: Chris Smith

12/22/2020 2:53:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Highlights

Three Pioneers in double figures in loss

DENVER – The University of Denver men's basketball saw its four-game home stand come to a close on Sunday, falling 68-65 to Northern Arizona in Hamilton Gymnasium.

Significant Stats:
- Jase Townsend poured in a team-high 16 points in the loss, snapping his three-game streak of scoring at least 20 in a game.
- Sam Hines Jr. showcased his athletic abilities on the glass, grabbing a career-high 13 rebounds, most by a Pioneer this season.
- DU shot 24-for-46 (52.2 percent) from the field, its second straight game above 50 percent.

Inside the Box Score:
- Roscoe Eastmond tied a season-high with five assists off the bench, third time this season for the sophomore with five in a contest.
- Drake Muller had his best game for the Crimson and Gold, scoring a season-high 11 points, highlighted by draining three 3s.
- The Crimson and Gold knocked down six 3s in the game for the second time this year.

Turning Point:
Cameron Shelton knocking down six free throws in the final 1:44 to keep Denver at bay and seal the win for the Lumberjacks.

As it Happened:

First Half:
Both teams traded baskets in the first half, making it a close competition for the opening 20 minutes. Denver was able to get its biggest lead of the period at 31-27 after a layup from Taelyr Gatlin with 59 seconds remaining. NAU closed though with a late three points from Shelton to make it a one-point game at the half, 31-30.

Second Half:
Northern Arizona shook off a quick 6-0 run from the Pioneers in the opening possessions to take control of the lead for good on a three-point play from Jay Green after being fouled from Hines Jr. made it 43-42. DU had a chance late to force overtime trailing by three with 16 seconds left. Pioneers got a good look from Hines Jr. but just came up short, giving NAU the victory.

Up Next:
DU (1-6) wraps up the non-league portion of its schedule with Grand Canyon on Tuesday, Dec. 29.

CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION
For the latest University of Denver updates on the coronavirus, click here.

SHOP PIONEERS:
Get dressed for Game Day! Get your Pioneers gear at ShopPioneers.com, the official online store of University of Denver Athletics.

DONATE:
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.

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