DENVER - The University of Denver men's basketball team competed before falling late in a hard-fought battle with Kansas City on Thursday in Hamilton Gymnasium. The Roos were able to defeat the Pioneers, 72-61, snapping their two-game winning streak.

Inside the Box Score:
- Touko Tainamo picked up his second double-double of the year, finishing with 15 points and 15 rebounds.
- Tevin Smith had 13 points, giving him his third straight game in double figures.  
- Coban Porter provided the touch from deep, going 3-for-6 on the way to 12 points off the bench.

Significant Stats:
- Denver had a season-high eight blocks in the contest.
- Tainamo is the first Pioneer to record at least 15 points and 15 rebounds in a game since Daniel Amigo did it back on Nov. 25, 2017.
- Pioneers were outscored in the second half 40-34, breaking a six-game streak.

Turning Point:
A 7-0 run KC to push its lead to nine at 60-51 with 6:16 left in regulation.

As it Happened:
 
First Half:
Kansas City opened quick and with pace, taking a 12-2 lead within the first four minutes of play, highlighted by a 3 to beat the shot clock from Arkel Lamar. Denver, though, immediately fought its way back into this one with a 7-2 run to make it at five-point contest by the 11:46 mark. The Roos got their lead by into double digits by the under-eight media time with a big run, going up 26-15. DU closed the final few minutes strong, using a 6-0 to end the half and make it two-possession game, trailing 32-27.

Second Half:
The final 20 minutes got underway in favor for the Crimson and Gold, taking its first lead of the contest at 36-34 on a great finish from Smith at the rim. KC countered with a game-breaking run to retake the lead by the 6:16 mark, up 60-51. Denver had its chances late but could any closer than seven the rest of the way.

Up Next:
Denver (8-15, 4-6 SL) finishes up its three-game homestand with a contest against Oral Roberts on Saturday. Tip is set for 2 p.m. MT.
 
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