VERMILLION, S.D. – The University of Denver women's basketball team won its fifth game in the last seven, earning a season split and the program's first-ever win in Vermillion by defeating South Dakota 79-74 on Saturday afternoon inside the Sanford Coyote Sports Center. Trailing 63-54 with 9:29 to go, Denver used a 15-2 run to flip the script on the road.
The Pioneers (12-16, 8-9) had three players score in double figures, led by Mikayla Brandon, who had 25 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Emma Smith tacked on 23 points and Ally Haar chipped in as well with 13 points and four assists.
Smith hit four of Denver's eight triples on the afternoon.
Denver did a great job disrupting South Dakota shots in the contest, coming away with five blocks. Makayla Minett's four rejections led the way individually for the Pioneers.
How It Happened
Denver started off strong, putting together an 18-16 lead heading into the second quarter. Denver relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down three shots to account for nine of its 18 points.
South Dakota rallied to take a 33-24 lead before Denver went on a 6-0 run starting at the 4:41 mark in the second period to narrow its deficit to 33-30. South Dakota responded and expanded its lead, leaving the Pioneers trailing 41-34 heading into halftime.
South Dakota continued to increase its lead after halftime, building a 44-34 advantage before Denver went on a 5-0 run, punctuated by a three from Brandon, to trim its deficit to 44-39 with 8:57 to go in the third. South Dakota countered and stretched its lead to 61-54 heading into the fourth.
Denver narrowed its deficit to 65-59 before going on a 10-0 run, finished off by Minett's layup, to seize a 69-65 lead with 5:23 to go in the contest. Haar knocked down four key free-throws late to seal the win for the Pioneers.
GAME NOTES:
- Denver finished with multiple 20+ points scorers for the second time in the last three games (Robles and Smith vs. North Dakota State).
- The Pioneers shot 76% from inside the arc (19-25).
- Denver scored 45 points in the second half, its first 45+ point second half since visiting Kansas City on December 29, 2022 (won 73-60).
- Saturday's win was the program's first in 11 trips to Vermillion.
- Emma Smith finished with 23 points.
- Smith finished in double figures for the 18th time in her freshman season.
- Smith finished with 20+ points for the second time in three games and the fifth time this season.
- Mikayla Brandon finished with a career-high 25 points.
- Brandon finished in double figures for the 15th time this season and the 26th time in her career.
- Brandon finished with 20+ points for the first time in her career.
- Makayla Minett finished with eight points, 10 rebounds and four blocks.
- Minett finished with double-digit rebounds for the 13th time this season and the 19th time of her career.
- Minett finished with 4+ blocks seventh time this season, and the third time in the last six games.
- Minett moved into solo third in career blocks with 124 in just two seasons with the Pioneers.
- Minett moved five shy of second in single-season blocks, reaching 70 on the season.
- Ally Haar finished with 13 points.
- Haar finished in double figures for the 14th time this season and the 37th time in her career.
UP NEXT: Denver will close out the regular season next Saturday with a trip to travel partner Omaha. Opening tip is set for 11 a.m. MT.
LONG BALL ELITE: Back for a second season, the Denver women's basketball program is running its Long Ball Elite fundraiser in 2022-23. Fans in a position to donate, consider pledging a dollar amount per 3-pointer made by the DU Pioneers this season. Join the Long Ball Elite campaign today.
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This article was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.
