DENVER – The University of Denver men's basketball program will open the 2023 Jaguar Classic on Wednesday when the Pioneers take on Nicholls at 5 p.m. MT at the Mitchell Center. Audio from the game will be streamed on DenverSports.com.
This week's three-day event will also see the Pioneers take on SIUE on Thursday (4 p.m. MT) and the hosts South Alabama on Friday (2 p.m. MT).
SERIES HISTORY:
Denver and Nicholls will meet for the first time in their history on Wednesday.
BRUNER EARNS PEAK PERFORMER OF THE WEEK HONORS:
Tommy Bruner had 23 in Denver's season opener and followed that up with 28 in a win over Cal Poly in the home opener to finish with 25.5 points per game, three rebounds and three assists per contest. The Denver guard extended his career games in double figures to 74, his DU career 20+ point games to 10, and went 14-of-14 from the line.
The 14 free-throw makes without a miss is tied for the third-most in a game in the entire program's history, and he's the first to make 14+ without a miss since the 1984-85 season.
Bruner is a perfect 21-for-21 from the line to begin the season, ranking second in the country in free-throw makes and eighth in the country in total points per game (25.5).
Bruner was the first Summit League Player of the Week honoree since Tevin Smith on January 24, 2022.
TOUKO'S IN THE RANKINGS:
Touko Tainamo ranks 22nd nationally in double-doubles (1), fifth in free-throw attempts (24), fifth in free-throws made (20), 33rd in points per game (22.0) and sixth in rebounds per game (13.5). Tainamo had 31 points and 18 rebounds in the season opener, the seventh double double of his career. Tainamo's 14 free-throws in the opener tied for the fourth-most in Denver's Division I history.
HOT SHOOTING NIGHT LEADS TO HOME-OPENING WIN:
Denver's 97 points last time out against Cal Poly was Denver's third-highest output against DI opposition in its history. Thursday night's performance put Denver above 80 points in each of its first two games for the first time in its Division I history.
UP NEXT:
Denver will continue the Jaguar Classic on Thursday when the Pioneers take on SIUE. Tip is set for 4 p.m. MT, and the game will be broadcast on 104.3 The Fan HD3.
Summit League Network:
New this year, fans can subscribe to the Summit League Network, the exclusive streaming home of all Denver men's and women's basketball home games and conference away games. For more information on the Summit League Network, click here.
Denver Tickets:
Season and single game tickets are on sale now. Secure your seat today by clicking here.
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