OREM, UTAH – The University of Denver men's basketball team gave Utah Valley all it could handle for most of the day on Saturday before falling in overtime, 77-68. The Pioneers dropped to 3-5 on the year with the loss.

Inside the Box Score:
- KJ Hunt continued his impressive first season in a DU uniform, going for 22 points and seven assists. The junior has now scored in double figures in all eight games this season.
- Michael Henn added 15 points, his fourth straight game in double figures. The 6-foot-8 forward knocked down three 3-poitners in the contest.
- Touko Tainamo and JaVonni Bickham provided a big spark off the bench, combining for 14 points.

Significant Stats:
- The Wolverines now lead the all-time series, 3-2.
- The Crimson and Gold outscored UVU by 18 from beyond the arc on the day.
- DU allowed a season-low two made 3s against them in the loss.
- The Pioneers' 18 assists were a new season high.  
 
Turning Point:
Late 9-1 run in overtime to close out the game for Utah Valley.
 
As it Happened:
 
First Half:
Denver opened with a strong defensive start, holding Utah Valley to 2-for-6 shooting, leading to a 5-5 tie by the under-16 media timeout. A hot start from Henn helped lead the Pioneers to a 15-13 edge after the senior connected on an open jumper at the free throw line for his eighth point. Pioneers got huge plays from Bickham, sparking a 7-0 run to take a 22-15 lead, forcing the Wolverines to take a timeout. The Crimson and Gold were able to hold the seven-point lead after a jumper from Hunt made it 30-23 with 4:27 remaining. Denver held strong late, holding off a mini run from UVU to take a 30-27 lead into halftime.
 
Second Half:
The Pioneers started cold in the second half, allowing Utah Valley to take the lead at 33-32, their first since 9-8. DU did counter to go back up 41-34 after a layup from Bickham, his seventh point of the game. Denver got into another cold spell though, resulting in the Wolverines making it a one-possession game at 50-47. Denver went up late after a 3 from Jordan Johnson made it 63-61 with 25 seconds left. Utah Valley tied it up after a pair of free throws with 19 seconds left. A late shot attempt to win it from Hunt came up short, forcing overtime.
 
Overtime:
Both teams traded buckets to start, with UVU going up 68-67. The Wolverines, though, broke it open from there, closing the game with a 9-1 run over the final 3:01 to get the victory.
 
Up Next:
Denver (3-5) continues its road trip with a drive up north on I-25 to take on Wyoming on Thursday. Tip is set for 7 p.m. MT and can be seen on the Mountain West Network.
 
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