DENVER – The University of Denver men's basketball team could not overcome a slow start on Monday against North Dakota State, falling 87-69 in Hamilton Gymnasium. The loss dropped the Pioneers to 2-3 in Summit League play on the season.

Inside the Box Score:
- Tevin Smith bounced back from his last outing with a season-high 18 points.  
- Jordan Johnson recorded 14 points, his fifth straight game in double figures.
- Tristan Green added a season-high eight points off the bench.

Significant Stats:
- DU gave up 87 points, which tied a season most this year.
- Green's three blocks were a season high.
- Denver had a seven-game streak of at least double-digit assists snapped with only eight on the evening.  

Turning Point:
A 10-0 run to start the game for the Bison in the first 1:59.

As it Happened:
 
First Half:
North Dakota State opened fast with a game-breaking 10-0 run in the first two minutes, resulting in a Denver timeout. The Pioneers snapped the run out of the break on and three-point play from Smith. The Bison kept the lead at double digits by the under-12 media, up 22-10. NDSU continued to attack on the offensive end, pushing its advantage to 16 by the 6:43 mark, 30-14. A 3 from Sam Griesel made it a 20-point contest at 35-15. The Bison took a 19-point lead into the break, 44-23.

Second Half:
The Pioneers came out cold to start the period, resulting in a 7-0 run for North Dakota State.  The Bison extended their lead to as many as 28 within the first six minutes of the half. Green provided a spark with a big dunk and the foul midway through the half and some highlight blocks on the other end of the floor. Denver was able to cut the deficit under 20 at the end but never got closer than 18.

Up Next:
Denver (6-12, 2-3 SL) hits the road for two games this upcoming weekend. First up, a meeting at South Dakota on Thursday. Tip is set for 6 p.m. MT.
 
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