OMAHA - The University of Denver men's basketball team couldn't hold off a last-minute comeback from Omaha on Thursday, falling on a buzzer-beater to the Mavs, 72-69 in Baxter Arena. The win for the Mavericks made it a split in the season series.

Inside the Box Score:
- KJ Hunt had another solid all-around night, finishing with 16 points, five rebounds and five assists.
- Coban Porter kept up his scoring spree, notching 16 points, his fourth straight game in double figures.
- Michael Henn added 13 points.
- Touko Tainamo nearly recorded his third double-double this season with eight points and 11 rebounds.  

Significant Stats:
- The all-time series is now tied at 11-11.
- DU tied is biggest rebounding differential on the year, being beat on the glass by 16, 47-31.
- Jordan Johnson returned to the team after missing the two previous games.
- Denver made eight 3s in the loss, its fourth straight game hitting at least seven.

Turning Point:
A 3 from Frankie Fidler at the buzzer to give Omaha the win.

As it Happened:
 
First Half:
Neither team came out shooting well, resulting in an 8-3 Omaha lead at the first media timeout with 14:38 left on the clock. The two teams opened a combined 4-for-17 during the stretch. Both teams started heating up after that with Omaha taking its lead to seven at 16-9 after a layup from Fidler at the 11:09 mark, his fourth point of the night.  Denver couldn't find its offense throughout the half, finishing the half trailing 29-23. The 23 points tied the lowest output for a half this year.

Second Half:
The Pioneers came out hot to start the final 20 minutes, using an 8-0 run to take its first lead of the game at 31-29 on a putback from Henn. The Crimson and Gold advantage grew to five after another layup from Henn gave him 11 points and made it 44-39. The Mavericks countered with a 7-0 run retake the lead at 45-44. Both teams traded baskets and the lead for the next few minutes, with it being a one-point contest with just under seven minutes left. The Crimson and Gold built itself a 69-61 advantage, its largest, late before a fast rally from Omaha tied it up at 69 on a 3 from Fidler. Hunt had a chance to give Denver the victory late but missed a layup on the right side of the rim with 12 seconds left. Fidler grabbed the board then came down and connected on the game-winner from the left side as time expired.
 
Up Next:
Denver (9-20, 5-11 SL) gets a nice rest with no weekend game this week. The Pioneers return to action next week for their final two road games of the regular season. Up first, a meeting at St. Thomas on Feb. 24.  

CORONAVIRUS UPDATES: Masks are required at all indoor athletic events. For the latest University of Denver updates on the coronavirus, click here 

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