TULSA – The University of Denver men's basketball team fought hard to erase a 19-point lead but couldn't complete the comeback, falling to Oral Roberts, 83-66 on Thursday at the Mabee Center. The Pioneers got a season-high 17 points from Tevin Smith in the loss.

Inside the Box Score:
- Smith continued his solid freshman campaign, picking up his sixth game in double figures on the year.
- Michael Henn added 15 points, snapping a three-game skid not being in double figures.  
- Touko Tainamo just missed out on his second double-double this year, finishing with 10 points and nine rebounds.  

Significant Stats:
- DU's six blocks tied it for second most in a game this year.
- The Pioneers freshmen duo of Smith (17) and Tainamo (10) combined for 27 points on 10-for-20 shooting.
- Denver fell to 0-3 this year when shooting under 40 percent from the field.
 
Turning Point:
A 27-10 run to end the game for the Golden Eagles.
 
As it Happened:
 
First Half:
The Golden Eagles opened fast, jumping out to a 17-7 lead to start the game. Denver got it back to a two-possession game before ORU pushed the lead to 12 after a make from DeShang Weaver made it 26-14. Oral Roberts doubled up the Pioneers at 36-18. Oral Roberts didn't let DU make a move in the final minutes, taking a 43-27 lead into the break.

Second Half:
Denver turned up the pressure, outscoring ORU 16-9 in the first six minutes to bring the lead to 52-43 after a made 3 from Henn. The Pioneers kept up its attack, closing to within four after a step back 3 from Pedro Lopez-Sanvicente cut the Oral Roberts to 53-49. The Crimson and Gold tied it up at 56-56 after Smith was got and and-1 play, giving him a season-high 17 points. The Golden Eagles pushed the lead back to seven after a 3 from Weaver made it 69-62, capping off a 10-6 run. ORU pushed the lead back into double figures at 74-64 with just over three minutes remaining. Oral Roberts held the double-digit lead the rest of the way to pick up the win.

Up Next:
Denver (5-11, 1-2 SL) heads home for two games of league play next week. First up, a meeting with North Dakota State on Jan. 6 at 7 p.m. The game can be seen on Altitude 2.  
 
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