MACOMB, ILL. – The University of Denver men's basketball team couldn't sustain a dominant start on Friday, instead falling behind a second-half surge from Western Illinois, 75-69 in Western Hall. The Leathernecks picked up their fourth straight win with the victory.

Inside the Box Score:
- Jase Townsend led the Pioneers with a team-high 25 points, his third straight game with at least 23.  
- Kobey Lam had a career-high 14 points.
- Sam Hines Jr. added 13 points and six rebounds.
- WIU was led by a game-high 27 points Will Carius.

Significant Stats:
- DU was outscored 53-41 in the second half.
- The Crimson and Gold made seven 3s, the 11th straight game with at least six in a contest.
 
Turning Point:
A 13-3 run from WIU take it from a one-possession game to 60-47 with 3:12 left in regulation.

As it Happened:
 
First Half:
Denver got the start it was looking for, racing out to a 14-0 lead to open. Defense was the name of the game early for the Pioneers, holding Western Illinois to 0-for-11 shooting to start while also forcing nine turnovers in the first nine minutes. The Leathernecks fought their way back 22-14 advantage on the scoreboard in the back half of the period.
 
Second Half:
WIU got its first lead of the contest with a strong start in the second half at 33-31 on an Anthony Jones jumper at the 12:55 mark. Western Illinois took control from there, closing the game with a 42-36 advantage the rest of the way.
 
Up Next:
Denver (2-14, 1-8 Summit League) wraps up the two-game series with game two on Saturday. Tip is set for 6 PM MT and can be seen on ESPN Plus.
 
CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION
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