DENVER – The University of Denver men's basketball program will open a two-game stretch against back-to-back nationally ranked opponents on Wednesday night when the Pioneers make the short drive up I-25 north to Fort Collins to take on [12/13] Colorado State. Tip on the Mountain West Network and 104.3 The Fan HD3 on Wednesday is set for 7 p.m. MT.
SERIES HISTORY:
Denver is 3-15 in its modern Division I history against Colorado State, last winning in Moby Arena on December 11, 2013 (80-70). An overall series that dates back to 1904, the Rams lead the series 95-67. The last meeting between the two programs came in Fort Collins in November of 2019, a 74-63 win for the host Rams.
DENVER AGAINST RANKED OPPONENTS:
Denver is 13-51 in its history against Division I ranked opponents, including 3-32 in true road games. The Pioneers and Rams have met on two previous occasions when the Rams have been ranked, both in the 1953-54 season (CSU 2-0). Denver last defeated a ranked opponent on February 15, 1971, against Utah State, a game Denver won 96-74. The Pioneers last road win against a ranked opponent also came in 1971, a 93-83 victory over No. 13 Oregon.
BRUNER LEADING DENVER IN NATIONAL STATISTICAL RANKINGS:
Tommy Bruner ranks second in the country in points per game entering the weekend, while also sitting third in free-throw makes (59), ninth in field goal makes (63) and 19th in three-point field goal percentage (46.6). Touko Tainamo ranks seventh in the country in free-throw attempts (67), seventh in free-throws made (52), 55th in points per game (19.2) and 48th in rebounds per game (8.9). Jaxon Brenchley enters the week 10th in assist/turnover ratio.
As a team, Denver entered the week at sixth in the country in both free-throw attempts (28.8) and free-throw makes (21.1). The Pioneers are 39th in scoring offense (83.6), 36th in rebounds per game (41.2) and 16th in turnovers per game (9.2).
TAKING CARE OF THE BASKETBALL:
Denver enters the week 16th in the country in turnovers per game, averaging just 9.2 turnovers per contest. Denver had five turnovers or less in the first two games of the Jaguar Classic, including just one against South Alabama on November 17. Denver's 1 turnover was its least giveaways in the program's Division I history.
DOUBLE DIGIT WORKLOAD:
Tommy Bruner leads the Pioneers with 81 career games in double figures, including 11-straight contests spanning back to the end of last season. Touko Tainamo is the next closest Pioneer with 37 games in double figures, including in eight of the nine games for Denver this season.
100 GAMES PLAYED:
Both fifth-year guard Tommy Bruner and graduate student transfer Jaxon Brenchley have crossed the century mark in games played in their NCAA career this season.
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.
UP NEXT:
Denver has the weekend off before heading to Utah to take on [13/14] BYU next Wednesday at 7 p.m. MT. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and 104.3 The Fan HD3.
Denver Tickets:
Season and single game tickets are on sale now. Secure your seat today by clicking here.
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