DENVER – The University of Denver men's basketball team started the Jeff Wulbrun era the right way on Tuesday, knocking off Regis 68-65 at Hamilton Gymnasium. The Pioneers picked up their fourth straight home-opening win in the victory.

Inside the Box Score:
- KJ Hunt led the way with 17 points and six rebounds.
- Jordan Johnson added 12 points and four assists.
- Tevin Smith, making his collegiate debut, finished with 11 points.

Significant Stats:
- Denver has now won its last four home openers.
- DU led wire-to-wire the entire game.
- The Pioneers limited the Rangers to just 36.1 percent shooting (22-for-61)
- The Crimson and Gold picked up 10 steals.
 
Turning Point:
A missed 3 from Illisia Washington as time expired at the end of regulation.
 
As it Happened:
 
First Half:
Denver came out with a bang, opening with a 9-0 run that immediately forced the Rangers to take a timeout. The Pioneers took a 13-4 lead into the first media timeout, doing it with defense and holding Regis to 2-for-8 shooting to start. The Crimson and Gold picked up its first double-digit lead of the night on a jumper from Hunt at the 13:26 mark. The Rangers fought their way back into this one with a 5-0 run that made it a two-possession game at 23-17 in favor of Denver. Hunt broke the run with the play of the game, crossing up Dawson then going up for the one-hand throw down, igniting the crowd. DU kept the lead going into the break, 34-27.
 
Second Half:
Denver pushed its lead right back into double figures after a bucket from Pedro Lopez-Sanvicente at the 15:35 mark. Regis pulled itself back into this one late, cutting the lead the five at 54-49 after a layup from Brandon Carter, his sixth point of the contest. Game was cut to a one-possession contest at 60-58 after a 3 from Washington. The Pioneers pulled away late, getting some big stops and converting at the line. Regis had a chance at the end of regulation to tie it, but Washington came up short on the 3 at the buzzer.
 
Up Next:
Denver (1-0) stays home to play host to Ottawa (Ariz.) on Friday. Tip is scheduled for 6 p.m. MT.
 
CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION
For the latest University of Denver updates on the coronavirus, click here.

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