WICHITA, Kan.  – The University of Denver women's basketball team had the lead at each of the three quarter breaks, but couldn't overcome a 12-1 fourth-quarter run and fell to Wichita State 61-54 on Wednesday night at Charles Koch Arena.

The Pioneers (2-5) had three players score in double figures, led by Emma Smith, who had 19 points and four assists. Makayla Minett tacked on 10 points, six rebounds, three steals and four blocks and Jojo Jones helped out with 10 points and seven rebounds.

How It Happened

After falling behind 7-5, Denver went on an 8-0 run with 4:43 left in the first quarter, culminating in a three from Smith, to take a 13-7 lead. The Shockers cut the deficit to four at the end of the quarter, narrowing Denver's advantage to 15-11. Denver relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down three shots to account for nine of its 15 points.

The Pioneers maintained their lead in the game's second frame and entered halftime with a 27-25 edge. Denver got to the paint in the quarter, scoring eight of its 12 points in the area.

Wichita State then took a 41-37 lead following intermission before Denver went on a 9-2 run, punctuated by a three from Mary Wilson as time expired, to grab a 43-41 lead heading into the fourth. Denver knocked down three three-pointers in the quarter to score nine of its 16 total points from beyond the arc.

Wichita State proceeded to take a 55-46 thanks to a 12-1 spurt before Denver went on a 5-0 run to shrink the deficit to 55-51 with 1:36 to go in the contest. Denver took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring eight of its 11 points in the paint, but the Shockers hit all eight of their free-throws in the period, preventing Denver from getting any closer in the contest. 

Game Notes

•  The Denver defense forced 21 turnovers.
• Emma Smith finished in double figures for the sixth-consecutive contest to start her collegiate career, scoring a season-high 19 on the evening.
  • Smith is the first freshman to score in double figures in her first six collegiate games since at least the 2000-01 season.
  • Smith is the first Pioneer in any year in school to score in double figures in six-straight games to start the season since Meghan Boyd did so in the first eight in the 2020-21 season.
• Denver led after the first quarter for the second time this season (season opener vs. Air Force on Nov. 7).
• The Pioneers had the advantage heading back to the locker room at the intermission for the first time this season (led 27-25).
• Makayla Minett scored in double figures for the third time this season and the seventh time in her career.
• Jojo Jones finished in double figures for the third time in her freshman campaign.  

UP NEXT: The University of Denver women's basketball team will continue a three-game road swing, including two straight outside the state of Colorado, on Friday when Denver travels to Stetson. Tip is set for 7 p.m. ET/5 p.m. MT on ESPN+.  
 
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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This article was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.