BROOKINGS, S.D. The University of Denver men's basketball team couldn't find its groove on Saturday, falling to South Dakota State, 80-62 in Frost Arena. The loss dropped the Pioneers to 2-4 in Summit League play.

Inside the Box Score:
- KJ Hunt had an all-around game, going for a team-high 18 points, five rebounds and five assists.
- Coban Porter showcased his elite-level shooting, netting 16 points, highlighted by making four 3s in the loss.
- Touko Tainamo bounced back from his last outing, adding 13 points and six rebounds.

Significant Stats:
- The Crimson and Gold tied a season high with 10 made 3s.
- Porter's four made 3s tied a season high.
- Denver has been outrebounded in five straight games.

Turning Point:
A 20-6 run to start the game for the Jackrabbits.

As it Happened:
 
First Half:
South Dakota State started the afternoon 9-2 run as Denver opened with cold shooting, going 1-for-8. The Jackrabbits kept the foot on the gas, pushing the lead to 14 at 20-6 by the 11:24 mark behind a strong performance from beyond the arc, going 4-for-9 from 3 during that stretch. SDSU wasn't challenged the rest of the half, building its lead to as many as 26 but going into the half up 44-23.

Second Half:
The Pioneers some quick buckets out the gate in the opening minutes in final 20 minutes, resulting in closing the gap to 17 at 59-42 after a 3 from Porter, his second make of the game. Denver, though, never stopped competing, closing to within 12 late but South Dakota State never let it get closer than that the rest of the way, winning 80-62.

Up Next:
Denver (6-14, 2-5 SL) wraps up the road trip with a game at Kansas City on Monday. Tip off is set for 6 p.m. MT.
 
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