DENVER -- Makayla Minett recorded her second-career double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds and JoJo Jones had a rookie-season best 16 points, but the Denver women's basketball team fell to the Houston Christian Huskies 63-58 inside Hamilton Gymnasium Friday afternoon.
The Pioneers (1-4) had three players score in double figures, as Emma Smith helped out with 11 points to join Minett and Jones in double figures.
Led by Minett's five offensive rebounds, Denver did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 13 boards that resulted in 15 second chance points, outscoring the visitors 15-6 in the category.
How It Happened
After falling behind 11-5, Denver went on a 6-0 run with 5:02 left in the first quarter, culminating in a three from Jones, to tie the game at 11. Houston Christian then pulled ahead, sending the Pioneers into the second quarter down 18-15.
Denver cut the Huskies' lead to 20-18 before going on a 6-0 run, highlighted by a bucket from Minett, to take a 24-20 lead. The Huskies then came roaring back to take a 29-27 lead heading into halftime.
Houston Christian continued to increase its lead after halftime, building a 33-30 advantage before Denver went on a 5-0 run, punctuated by a basket from Smith, to grab a 35-33 lead with 4:43 to go in the third. HCU responded to seize a 43-42 lead entering the fourth quarter.
Denver cut it to a one-possession game several times in the fourth, but couldn't complete the comeback down the stretch. Denver took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 14 of its 16 points in the paint in the final frame.
Game Notes
» Makayla Minett notched a double-double for the Pioneers with 13 points and 12 rebounds, the second of her season and of her career.
» The Pioneers put on a passing clinic, recording an assist on 62 percent of made field goals, let by five from point guard Ally Haar. Haar finished with 5+ assists for the third time this season and the sixth time in her career.
» Denver held a 38-26 rebounding advantage.
» Jojo Jones led the Pioneers with a game-high 16 points, the top mark of her freshman season. Jones finished in double figures for the second time this season.
» Makayla Minett grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds to lead Denver and Mikayla Brandon contributed 10. Minett finished in double figures in rebounds for the third time this season and the ninth time of her career. Brandon pulled down double digit boards for the third time this season and the 14th time of her collegiate career.
This article was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.
UP NEXT: The University of Denver women's basketball team will close out a stretch of five of six at home to start the 2022-23 season when the Pioneers take on New Mexico State in the Denver Classic on Saturday at 12 p.m. MT. The game will be broadcast live on Evoca TV and Pioneer Vision.
TICKET INFORMATION: Tickets for the 2022-23 season are available now, and can be purchased here. Season tickets start at just $59.
LONG BALL ELITE: Back for a second season, the Denver women's basketball program is running its Long Ball Elite fundraiser in 2022-23. Fans in a position to donate, consider pledging a dollar amount per 3-pointer made by the DU Pioneers this season. Join the Long Ball Elite campaign today.
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