DENVER – The University of Denver men's basketball team overcame a double-digit second-half deficit to keep its postseason hopes alive with a 100-96 overtime win against Oral Roberts on Thursday in Hamilton Gymnasium.

The 100 points were the most scored in contest against a Division I opponent since a 100-81 win against North Texas back on Feb. 10, 2001.

The Pioneers were led by its top two players in Jase Townsend and Ade Murkey, who combined for half of DU's points in the victory.

Townsend nearly became the first Crimson and Gold player to record a triple-double in program history, finishing with 24 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists.

Murkey recorded 26 points and six rebounds, his eighth game in his last nine scoring at least 24 points.

Emmanuel Nzekwesi led the way for the Golden Eagles, notching a double-double with a game-high 29 points and 13 rebounds.

DU's 23 assists were also a new season high.

Denver opened with a strong start, jumping out to a 9-5 advantage in the first 4:11 of the contest. Robert Jones provided a force in the paint, getting four quick points.

The Pioneers kept their aggression going, pushing their lead to double figures on a Murkey layup that made it 24-14 at the 9:53 mark in the first half.

Oral Roberts used a 13-4 run to pull within one at 28-27 with five minutes left in the period after DU went without a field goal for over four minutes.

Both teams traded baskets rest of the half, going into the break tied at 42.

Townsend found his groove in the opening 20 minutes of action, finishing with nine points and five assists.

Denver got evenly spread scoring from everyone in the first half, with eight players recording points.

In the second half, the Golden Eagles took control after making eight straight field goals to build a double-digit advantage at 62-51, forcing the Pioneers to take a timeout.

DU, though, fought its way back with a 9-0 run to make it a one-possession game at 67-64, forcing ORU to take a timeout with just under eight minutes left in regulation.

Townsend forced overtime after being fouled while attempting a 3 with 1.2 seconds left on the clock. The sophomore converted all three attempts at the line to tie it at 90-90.

In overtime, Denver jumped out to a four-point lead after a pair of free throws from Jones at the 2:27 mark.

But, Oral Roberts tied things up at 96-96 on a made 3 from Kevin Obanor.

The Pioneers, though, locked down the Golden Eagles the final 1:46, holding them scoreless while getting free throws from Roscoe Eastmond and Townsend to seal the victory.

UP NEXT:
Denver (6-22, 2-12 Summit League) hits the road for a final time in the regular season for a showdown with Purdue Fort Wayne on Feb. 26. Tip is set for 5 pm 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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