DENVER – The University of Denver men's basketball program had six players finish in double figures in a 97-80 win over Western Colorado in the Pios home opener on Friday afternoon inside Hamilton Gymnasium.

The Pioneers (1-1) had six players score in double figures, led by DeAndre Craig, who had 15 points, five assists and two steals. Pedro Lopez-Sanvicente tacked on a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds and Sebastian Akins chipped in as well with 12 points and three steals off the bench.

Denver took advantage of great ball movement in Friday's game, piling up 18 assists on 34 made field goals. Individually, Tymo Sternicki led the way for the Pioneers with six assists.

Denver did a great job disrupting Western Colorado shots in the contest, coming away with six blocks. Isaiah Carr led the way individually for the Pioneers with three rejections.

NOTES:

• Denver finished with six players in double figures for the first time since December 15, 2012 against Omaha.
• Denver had 13 steals in the contest, Denver's most in a game since February 26, 2020 at Fort Wayne.
• Nicholas Shogbonyo and Sebastian Akins had three steals apiece to lead the way.
• DeAndre Craig finished with 15 points and 5 assists
• Craig finished in double figures for the sixth-straight game and the 13^th time in his career.
• Craig finished with 5+ assists for the fourth time in his Pioneer career.
• Shogbonyo finished with 10 points, and 3 steals.
• Shogbonyo finished in double figures for the first time in his NCAA career.
• Isaiah Carr finished with 10 points, 6 rebounds and 3 blocks.
• Carr finished in double figures for the sixth time in his career.
• Carr finished with 3+ blocks for the first time this season and the 10^th time in his career.
• Pedro Lopez-Sanvicente finished with 13 points, 10 rebounds
• Lopez-Sanvicente finished with a double-double for the first time in his career.
• Lopez-Sanvicente finished in double figures for the second-straight game and the seventh time in his career.
• Lopez-Sanvicente finished with double digit rebounds for the first time in his career.
• Josh Lee finished with 10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals.
• Lee finished in double figures for the first time in his career.
• Akins finished with 12 points, 2 assists, 3 steals.
• Akins finished in double figures for the second time in as many career games.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

After jumping out to a 30-22 advantage, Denver went on a 7-0 run with 5:10 left in the first half to increase its lead to 37-22. The Pioneers then added two points to that lead by the end of the period and entered halftime with a 46-29 advantage. Denver capitalized on 16 Western Colorado turnovers in the period, turning them into 14 points on the other end of the floor.

The Pioneers then held on for the victory in the second half. Denver took care of business in the paint, recording 32 of its 51 points in the lane.

This article was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.

UP NEXT:
The Pioneers will make the trip up I-25 to Fort Collins on Tuesday night to take on Colorado State. Opening tip is set for 7 p.m. MT inside Moby Arena. The game will be broadcast on the Mountain West Network.

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