VERMILLION, S.D. The University of Denver men's basketball team nearly overcame a 16-point deficit but couldn't hold on late as South Dakota ran away with it, winning 80-71 on Thursday at the Sanford Coyote Sports Center. The loss was the second straight one for the Pioneers in Summit League play.

Inside the Box Score:
- KJ Hunt had his best game of the year, finishing with 20 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. The double-double was the first this year for the junior.   
- Jordan Johnson recorded 16 points, his sixth straight game in double figures. Johnson knocked down four 3s in the contest.
- Michael Henn added 14 points and six rebounds.

Significant Stats:
- The Crimson and Gold fell to 2-3 on the year when scoring at least 70 points in a game.
- Hunt's 20 points was the seventh game this year with at least 20.  
- Denver has been outrebounded in four straight games.

Turning Point:
An 8-4 run to close out the game from the Coyotes.  

As it Happened:
 
First Half:
South Dakota took a two-point edge in the opening minutes, leading 10-8 going into the first media timeout. Henn started quickly, scoring four of DU's first eight points. Both teams couldn't get separation for the next several minutes, keeping it a one score game at 15-12 in favor of the Coyotes. USD got separation after that, going on a 7-1 run to take a nine-point lead at 22-13. The Pioneers couldn't find answer to stop the Coyote run, pushing its advantage to 29-13, their largest of the game, forcing DU to take a timeout. Denver cut the lead back to single digits after back-to-back 3s from Johnson, giving him 11 in the half. South Dakota held a double-digit edge at the break, 44-34.

Second Half:
The Pioneers opened the final 20 minutes of regulation with a 3 from Touko Tainamo, making it a seven-point contest. Denver closed to within four after free throws from Hunt made 48-44, giving the junior 14 in the game. After back-to-back 3s from Henn made it a 55-53 game in favor of the Coyotes. But USD immediately countered with a 7-0 run to take extend its lead to nine at 62-53 with just under 10 minutes left in regulation. The Pioneers worked it back to two-possession game after a pair of free throws from Hunt at the 3:00 mark, making it 72-67.South Dakota, though, closed strong, using an 8-4 run to put it away and secure the victory at 80-71.

Up Next:
Denver (6-13, 2-4 SL) continues the road trip with a visit to Brooking, S.D. to take on South Dakota State. Game is set for Saturday with a tip set for 1 p.m. MT.
 
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