DENVER – The University of Denver men's basketball team used a second-half rally before falling in overtime to North Dakota, 85-82 in Hamilton Gymnasium on Friday.

Significant Stats:
- Jase Townsend led the Pioneers with a game-high 25 points.  
- Robert Jones had 17 points in his first game back in two months.

- DU tied a season-high 9 made 3s.

Inside the Box Score:
- Tyree Ihenacho had a team-high 17 points for the Fighting Hawks.   
- Sam Hines Jr. and Eric Moenkhaus each had 12 points.
 
Turning Point:
A turnover late from Townsend with 32 seconds left in OT.

As it Happened:
 
First Half:
North Dakota opened the contest on a 17-6 run in the first 7:38 by mainly attacking the rim, which produced 10 points in the paint early. A foul-plagued half saw both teams getting to the line with regularity, but it was Townsend doing the most damage, going 9-for-10 for nine of his 11 points in the opening 20 minutes. Denver closed the half with an 8-0 run to make it two-possession contest at the break, 34-29.
 
Second Half:
The Pioneers came with a flurry in half, taking a 46-44 lead after the fourth made 3 from Moenkhaus at the 14:09 mark. DU continued to bring the energy, getting its largest lead 55-47 after a Hines Jr. layup with 12 minutes left in regulation. A late basket from Taelyr Gatlin with 22 seconds left tied the game up at 75. Pioneers picked up a crucial stop to force overtime.
 
Overtime:
The Crimson and Gold got strong play from Jones to start the extra period before UND built a four-point lead. A late three-point play from Townsend cut the lead the one at 83-82 with 13 seconds left. However, North Dakota made its free throws to secure the win.
 
Up Next:
Denver (1-13, 0-7 Summit League) closes out the series with game two on Saturday at 12 p.m. MT. Game can be seen on Pioneer Vision and on ESPN 1600 AM.
 
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