MOBILE, Ala. – Touko Tainamo secured a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds to help the University of Denver men's basketball team defeat the Nicholls State Colonels 91-85 at Mitchell Center Wednesday.
The Pioneers (2-1) had four players score in double figures, led by Tainamo, who put together a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Tommy Bruner added 19 points and four assists and DeAndre Craig helped out with 17 points and two steals off the bench.
Denver out-rebounded Nicholls State 41-38 in Wednesday's game, paced by Tainamo's 11 boards.
Denver did a great job disrupting Nicholls State shots in the contest, coming away with seven blocks. Tainamo's three rejections led the way individually for the Pioneers.
Notes:
Denver finished with 80+ points in the first three games of a season for the first time in the program's Division I history.
The Pioneers improved to 8-2 in the month of November over the course of the last two seasons.
91 points tied for the 10th most against a Division I opponent in the program's history.
Wednesday was the first meeting between the two programs, a Nicholls team that was coming off a win against LSU on Friday night.
Touko Tainamo finished with 23 points and 11 rebounds.
- Tainamo's double-double is his second of the season and the eighth of his career.
- Tainamo finished in double figures for the third-straight game to start the season and the 32nd time in his career.
- Tainamo finished with 20+ points for the second time this season and the fourth time in his career.
- Tainamo finished with double digit rebounds for the second time this season and the 13th time in his career.
Tommy Bruner finished with 19 points.
- Bruner finished in double figures for the fifth-straight game, the third time this season and the 75th time in his career.
DeAndre Craig finished with a season-high 17 points.
- Craig finished in double figures for the second time in the first three games of his NCAA career.
Jaxon Brenchley finished with 11 points.
- Brenchley finished in double figures for the second-straight game and for the sixth time in his NCAA career.
How It Happened
After Nicholls hit seven of its first 10 from three to jump out to a 40-22 advantage, Denver went on a 12-0 run with 3:09 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Bruner to cut into the deficit. The deficit was trimmed to six by the intermission at 43-37.
Denver outscored Nicholls 54-42 in the second half, helped by a 51.9% shooting half and a 6-for-14 20 minute span from beyond the arc. As it did in the first two games this season, Denver knocked down its free-throws to close out the comeback, hitting 20-of-25 in the second half, led by Craig's 9-of-10.
Up Next:
Denver will play the middle game of its three games in three-day stretch at the Jaguar Classic on Thursday when the Pioneers take on SIUE in a neutral site game. Tip is set for 4 p.m. MT, and Tyler Maun will be on the call 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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