DENVER – The University of Denver men's basketball program took advantage of a strong first half in a 79-78 win over Montana State on Sunday afternoon inside Hamilton Gymnasium.

The Pioneers (3-2) had five players score in double figures, led by Nicholas Shogbonyo, who had 15 points, seven rebounds and two steals. DeAndre Craig added 14 points, four assists and two steals and Isaiah Addo-Ankrah helped out with 12 points and seven rebounds.

Denver's defense was effective at taking away the basketball in Sunday's game, forcing 13 Montana State turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 13 points on the offensive end of the floor. Josh Lee's four steals led the way individually for the Pioneers. The Pioneers shot 29-of-31 from the free-throw line, missing just one free-throw in each half. 

NOTES:

• Denver had five players finish in double figures for the second time this season, and the first time against a Division I opponent since February 10, 2024 against St. Thomas.
• The Pioneers shot 90+% from the free-throw line with at least 20 makes for the first time since shooting 20-of-22 from the stripe on December 12, 2020. 
• Isaiah Addo-Ankrah finished with 12 points and 7 rebounds.
• Addo-Ankrah scored in double figures for the third-straight game and the 19^th time in his career.
• Nicholas Shogbonyo finished with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals.
• Shogbonyo scored in double figures for the second-straight game and the third time in his first season with the Pios.
• Josh Lee finished with 10 points and 4 steals.
• Lee scored in double figures for the second game this season and of his career.
• Lee's steal total was a career high.  
• DeAndre Craig finished with 14 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists.
• Craig scored in double figures for the fourth time this season and the 15^th time in his career.
• Sebastian Akins finished with 10 points, and 2 assists.
• Akins finished in double figures for the third time in his freshman season.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

After jumping out to a 20-18 advantage, Denver went on a 7-0 run with 9:05 left in the first half to increase its lead to 27-18. The Pioneers then added five points to that lead by the end of the period and entered halftime with a 47-33 advantage. Denver got a great contribution from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for 13 of its 47 total points.

Denver kept its lead intact before going on a 5-0 run, finished off by Sebastian Akins' layup, to grow the lead to 75-59 with 4:56 to go in the contest. The Bobcats went on a run late, but missed a tip-in attempt at the buzzer and the Pioneers still held on for the 79-78 win. Denver got a boost from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for 11 of its 32 total points.

This article was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.

UP NEXT:
The Pioneers will have a week off for finals before heading to Montana's MTE for three games running November 24-26. Denver will take on the hosts on November 24 at 5 p.m. MT before taking on Cal State Northridge (November 25) and Utah Tech (November 26). All three games will air on ESPN+.

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