GREELEY, Colo. – The University of Denver men's basketball team tailed by as many as 23 in the first half and cut the deficit to as little as two late in the second half, but Northern Colorado held on for a 86-82 victory on Saturday evening at Bank of Colorado Arena.
The Pioneers (10-7) had four players score in double figures, led by Bruner, who had 27 points and five assists. Isaiah Addo-Ankrah added 17 points and Touko Tainamo helped out with 17 points and eight rebounds.
Denver out-rebounded Northern Colorado 37-32 in Saturday's game, led by Jaxon Brenchley's nine boards.
Notes:
Touko Tainamo finished with 17 points and 8 rebounds.
- Tainamo finished in double figures for the sixth-straight game, the 14th time this season and the 43rd time in his career.
Isaiah Addo-Ankrah finished with 17 points.
- Addo-Ankrah finished in double figures for the fifth time this season and the 15th time in his collegiate career.
- Addo-Ankrah finished with 5+ triples for the second time this season.
Tommy Bruner finished with 27 points and 5 assists.
- Bruner finished in double figures for the 19th-straight game and the 89th time in his career.
- Bruner finished with 20+ points for the sixth-straight game, the 12th time this season and the 20th time in his career.
- Bruner finished with 5+ assists for the fourth-straight game.
Jaxon Brenchley finished with 12 points and 9 rebounds.
- Brenchley finished in double figures for the third-straight game and the 13th time this season.
How it Happened:
Denver struggled out of the gate, but found their offensive footing late in the first half. Northern Colorado shot 63 percent and 7-for-13 from beyond the arc to take control at the intermission by a score of 51-34.
After intermission, Denver kept the Bears from increasing their lead before going on a 7-0 run, finished off by Addo-Ankrah's three, to shrink the deficit to 53-43 with 17:18 to go in the contest. The Pioneers kept their comeback going, but Northern Colorado managed to hold on for the 86-82 win. Denver shot well from three-point range in the half, hitting eight shots from deep to score 24 of its 48 points.
UP NEXT:
Denver will jump back into Summit League play for the remainder of the regular season when the Pioneers welcome South Dakota State to Hamilton Gymnasium next Saturday (1/13) for a 1 p.m. MT tip. The game will be broadcast live on the Summit League Network and 104.3 The Fan HD3.
Denver Tickets:
Season and single game tickets are on sale now. Secure your seat today by clicking here.
DENVER'S HOME FOR COLLEGE SPORTS
Visit DenverPioneers.com for complete coverage of all 18 of DU's NCAA Division I sports.
Like Denver Men's Basketball and Denver Pioneers on Facebook
Follow @du_menshoops and @DU_Pioneers on Twitter
Follow @du_mhoops and @DenverPioneers on Instagram
