MACOMB, ILL.  – The University of Denver women's basketball team couldn't take advantage of a dominant third quarter on Friday, falling 85-68 at Western Hall.

Inside the Box Score:

• Claire Gritt led the way with a career-high 26 points.
• Meghan Boyd added 15 points.
• Uju Ezeudu chipped in with nine points and eight rebounds.
• Elizabeth Lutz powered the Leatherneck attack, pouring in a team-high 22 points to go with 14 rebounds and five assists.

Significant Stats:

• Denver allowed a season-most 16 3s made against it.
• The Crimson and Gold tied a season high with 12 made 3s in the contest, fourth time this year with that many.

Turning Point:
A 25-10 second quarter in favor of the Leathernecks which saw them knock down seven 3s in the 10-minute stretch of play.  
 
As it Happened:

First Quarter:
Denver got off to a strong start in the early minutes behind Gritt, who opened with eight of the first 10 points for the Pioneers. WIU, though, countered after that, taking control the rest of the quarter to build a four-point advantage after 10 minutes, 18-14.

Second Quarter:
The Leathernecks broke it open in the quarter, outscoring DU, 25-10. The highlight was a hot-shooting performance from deep from WIU, which went 7-for-12 from beyond the arc. The Crimson and Gold couldn't take advantage of some shots around the rim, finishing the quarter 2-for-12 from the field.
 
Third Quarter:
Pioneers came out fast and fought their way back into this one in the third, outscoring Western Illinois 28-16. DU found life from deep, knocking down 5-of-9 3s in the quarter. Gritt once again carried the offensive load, scoring 12 points in the quarter.

Fourth Quarter:
It was all Leathernecks in the final quarter, outscoring the Crimson and Gold 26-16 to pull away and pick up the victory.

Up Next:
Denver (5-12, 3-6 Summit League) wraps up the two-game series with Western Illinois with game two on Saturday at 3:30 PM MT. Game can be seen on ESPN Plus.
 
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