KANSAS CITY – The University of Denver women's basketball team got a career game from sophomore Uju Ezeudu on Friday, erupting for a career-high 32 points as the Pioneers picked up a big win at Kansas City, 63-55. The win snapped a three-game losing streak for DU.
 
Inside the Box Score:

• Ezeudu powered the Pioneer attack with 32 points, the only DU player in double figures. 
• Jasmine Jeffcoat was dominant on the boards, tying a career best with 13 rebounds.
• Claire Gritt added nine points and six assists.
• The Roos had two players finish with 17 points in Paige Bradford and Naomie Alnatas

Significant Stats:

• Denver picked up its first win of the year when trailing at the half.
• The Crimson and Gold finished with a season low three made 3s.
• DU improved to 6-1 this year when holding its opponents to less than 40 percent shooting.
• The Pioneers defense was the story of the day, allowing a season-low 55 points.

Turning Point:
 A 13-5 run in the final 5:15 to close out the game.
 
As it Happened:
First Quarter:
Ezeudu came out dominant to start this one, scoring the first 11 points for the Pioneers on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting. Jeffcoat gave Denver its first double-digit lead of the game at 14-4 after connecting on a free throw at the 3:49 mark. Kansas City, though, fought itself back in the contest with an 8-1 run to close out the quarter down three, 15-12. Both teams entered the contest ranking in the top 16 in the country in made 3s per game, combined to go 0-for-10 from beyond the arc.

Second Quarter:
The Roos found their touch in the quarter, outscoring the Pioneers 20-15. UMKC went 3-for-5 from beyond the arc after starting the contest 0-for-6. Bradford gave DU problems in the paint, finishing the half with 12 points on 6-for-8 shooting as Kansas City took a 32-30 lead into the break.
 
Third Quarter:
Neither team found separation in the third, resulting in a low-scoring affair. Both teams scored 11 points in the quarter. Denver avoided an injury scare to Ezeudu, who collided with a UMKC player midway through the quarter.

Fourth Quarter:
The Crimson and Gold dominated in the final 10 minutes, locking down Kansas City while having its best offensive quarter of the game, going for 22 points. The Roos were held to just 12 points on 22.2 percent shooting. The Pioneers closed out the contest with a 13-5 run in the final 5:15.

Up Next:
Denver (6-13, 4-7 Summit League) closes out the road series with game two on Sunday. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. MT.

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