DENVER – The University of Denver men's basketball team had a chance late in regulation but couldn't finish it off before falling in overtime on Monday to Western Illinois, 84-80. The Pioneers dropped to 0-1 in Summit League play with the loss.

Inside the Box Score:
- Touko Tainamo had his best game of the year, recording his first collegiate double-double with a career-high 21 points and 10 rebounds.
- KJ Hunt added a team-high 22 points and eight rebounds.
- Jordan Johnson chipped in with 21 points, highlighted by knocking down three 3s in the contest.

Significant Stats:
- DU continued to show its improvement on the glass, winning the rebounding battle 40-32 on the evening.
- The Crimson and Gold held the Leathernecks to 7-for-26 (26.9%) from beyond the arc, well below their season average in percentage and makes per game.
- Denver finished with a season-high 80 points in the loss.
 
Turning Point:
An 8-3 run by WIU to start overtime and take a five-point lead.  
 
As it Happened:
 
First Half:
The Pioneers came out aggressive behind the play of Johnson, who ripped off eight of the first 12 points for DU, leading to a 12-7 lead by the first media timeout at 15:16. Denver pushed its lead to six after a nice floater from Hunt made it 21-15, upping the junior's total to seven points. Western Illinois dialed up the pressure though, going on a 10-4 run to tie it at 25-25 after a jumper from Will Carrius. The Crimson and Gold were able to hold the edge, taking a 33-32 advantage into the break.

Second Half:
Denver came out and started fast, going on an 8-0 run in the first 2:43, forcing the Leathernecks to take a timeout trailing 41-32. WIU got it going after that, closing to within two after a 3 from Carrius made it 46-44 DU. Despite a heavy flux of whistles, the Pioneers were able to hold their lead, taking a 50-49 advantage at the 11:58 mark. Western Illinois took its first lead since 2-0 after a 3 from Jadrian Flores made it 52-49. The Leathernecks continued to be aggressive, maintaining the three-point lead at 65-62 with 3:13 left in regulation. Pioneers had a chance to close it out late, getting a big basket from Hunt to go up 71-69, then immediately followed forced WIU to turn it over but couldn't convert at the line after getting fouled. Western Illinois then tied it up on a layup with 3.1 seconds left and desperation heave came up short by Hunt.
 
Overtime:
Free throws were the name of the game to start the extra period. WIU took its big lead of the night on a 3 from Luka Barisic at 79-74. A pair of free throws from Johnson brought it back to a one-possession contest at 80-78. But WIU got the next three points and forced the Pioneers to foul to extend the game and made their shots, securing the win.

Up Next:
Denver (4-10, 0-1 SL) closes out the three-game homestand with St. Thomas on Wednesday. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. MT.  
 
PURCHASE SEASON TICKETS
Purchase 2021-22 season or single-game tickets right HERE.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATES: Masks are required at all indoor athletic events. For the latest University of Denver updates on the coronavirus, click here 

SHOP PIONEERS:
Get dressed for Game Day! Get your Pioneers gear at ShopPioneers.com, the official online store of University of Denver Athletics.

DONATE:
Fans interested in making a donation to the men's basketball program can do so by CLICKING HERE. Your contribution will make a direct impact on the success of YOUR Pioneers. Thank you in advance for your unwavering support of our student-athletes and their quest for excellence.

Visit DenverPioneers.com for complete coverage of all 18 of Denver's NCAA Division I sports.
Like Denver Pioneers, Denver Men's Basketball on Facebook
Follow @DU_Pioneers, @DU_MHoops on Twitter
Follow denverpioneers, du_mhoops on Instagram