DENVER – The University of Denver men's basketball team fought hard in the second half, nearly overcoming a 15-point deficit before losing 72-71 to Ottawa (Ariz.) on Friday in Hamilton Gymnasium. The loss dropped the Pioneers to 1-1 on the year.

Inside the Box Score:
- KJ Hunt had a season-high 23 points and four assists in the loss.
- Touko Tainamo had his first collegiate game in double figures with 13 points.
- Payton Moore and Tevin Smith each chipped in with 10 points.

Significant Stats:
- Denver had its first game with five players in double figures since December of 2018.  
- Pioneers had a season-high 16 assists.
- The Crimson and Gold picked up nine steals, second straight game with at least that many.  
 
Turning Point:
A 27-10 run to close out the first half for Ottawa.
 
As it Happened:
 
First Half:
Denver opened with a 12-6 run to start the contest, highlighted by made 3s from Jordan Johnson and Coban Porter. Ottawa tied it up at 16-16 on a jumper from Jayce Catchings at the 9:15 mark. The Sprit used a 7-0 run over a 1:50 span to take a 25-18 lead, causing the Pioneers to take a timeout. Its was all Ottawa the rest of the half, taking a double-digit lead in the break, 39-24.
 
Second Half:
Denver couldn't gain ground in the opening nine minutes, going into the under-12 media timeout down 13. The Pioneers fought back midway through the second half, going from down 15 to two points after a 3 from Hunt on a fast break. DU had a chance late after fouling but gave up the offensive rebound to the Spirit and had to foul, where they connected to make it a two-possession game with six seconds left.
 
Up Next:
Denver (1-1) hits the road for a three-game tournament at UTSA. First up, a meeting with former Summit League IUPUI on Monday at 4 p.m. MT.
 
CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION
For the latest University of Denver updates on the coronavirus, click here.

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