DENVER - The University of Denver men's basketball team gave league-leading South Dakota State a battle in the first half before the Jackrabbits pulled away in the final 20 minutes, winning 84-61 in Hamilton Gymnasium on Thursday. The Jacks got the season sweep with the victory.

Inside the Box Score:
- Coban Porter, making the start, continued his strong freshman year, finishing with 18 points. The Columbia, Mo. knocked down four 3s in the loss.  
- Taelyr Gatlin tied a career high with 11 points.

Significant Stats:
- The Pioneers made 10 3s, the sixth time this year breaking into double figures.
- SDSU has won the last 10 meetings in the all-time series.  
- Starters KJ Hunt and Jordan Johnson were unavailable due to being in health and safety protocols.

Turning Point:
A 29-13 run to start the second half for SDSU in the first 10:10 of the period.

As it Happened:
 
First Half:
Denver opened tough, taking a 10-9 lead into the first media timeout, highlighted by 3s from Michael Henn and Gatlin. South Dakota State got up but a flurry of 3s from Porter put the Pioneers back up 20-19, giving him eight points early. The Crimson and Gold retook the lead at 31-29 after Porter continued his hot shooting from deep, knocking down his third triple of the half. A great final play that resulted in a jumper from Smith lead to a tie game at the half, 35-35.  

Second Half:
The Pioneers started the second half strong, taking a one-point lead after another 3 from Porter made it 46-45 in favor of DU. The Jackrabbits, though, responded with a 9-3 run to go up 55-48 by the 11:59 mark. South Dakota State kept its foot on the gas, pushing its advantage to 16 at 64-48 with just under 10 minutes left in regulation. Denver wouldn't get any closer than that the rest of the way as the Jacks continued to reign in 3s from all over in the half, getting the win.
 
Up Next:
Denver (9-18, 5-9 SL) hosts South Dakota for Senior Day on Saturday. Tip is set for 2 p.m. MT.
 
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