BROOKINGS, S.D.  – The University of Denver men's basketball team couldn't withstand a second-half surge from South Dakota State on Friday night, falling 90-78 to the Jackrabbits in Frost Arena. The Pioneers were by Ade Murkey's career night, finishing with 42 points and 11 rebounds.

The 42 points set a new DU Division I single-game record, wiping away B.J. Pratt's record of 37 that stood for over 20 years.

Murkey also became the first Crimson and Gold player to have at least 40 points and 10 rebounds in a game since the program went Division I back in 1998.

It is also just the eighth time since 2010 an NCAA player has recorded at least 42 points and 11 rebounds on the road.

The Minneapolis, Minn. native's monster night consisted of 15-for-27 shooting from the field, including knocking down a career-high five 3s.

Jase Townsend was the other Denver player in double figures, scoring 14.

Douglas Wilson led the way for SDSU, pouring in a team-high 23 points.

Matt Dentlinger notched a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

South Dakota State opened to a 16-13 lead by the first media timeout. Wilson provided the spark for the Jackrabbits early, scoring nine of the first 16 points.

Denver picked up its first lead of the night at 25-24 after a 3 from Townsend, his second make from distance in the half.

Pioneers continued to hold their lead through the rest of the half, finishing the half up three, 39-36.

Murkey and Townsend powered the electric opening 20 minutes, combining for 28 points.

The Pioneers opened with a 3 from Murkey to give them their largest lead of the evening at 42-36.

SDSU, though, bounced back with a bucket from Wilson to take the lead for good at the 57-55 with 11:18 left in regulation.

DU never got closer than seven the rest of the way.

UP NEXT:
Denver (5-21, 1-11 Summit League) wraps up the road trip at Omaha on Sunday. Tip is set for 4:30 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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