PORTLAND, Ore. – The University of Denver men's basketball program erased a 15-point first-half deficit and forced overtime and then a second OT, but Portland pulled out a 101-90 win in double OT on Sunday evening at the Chiles Center.
The Pioneers (3-6) had four players score in double figures, led by Nicholas Shogbonyo, who had 20 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Sebastian Akins added 17 points and two steals off the bench and Pedro Lopez-Sanvicente chipped in as well with 16 points and seven rebounds.
The Denver offense was very productive from downtown, making 10 threes. Isaiah Addo-Ankrah was the most prolific shooter for the Pioneers, draining three treys in the contest.
Denver forced 16 Portland turnovers while committing just six themselves in Sunday's game. The Pioneers turned those takeaways into 15 points on the offensive end of the floor. Josh Lee led the way individually with two steals.
NOTES:
- Denver assisted 61% of its made buckets.
- The Pioneers bench provided 32 points
- DU committed just six turnovers while distributing 20 assists in 50 minutes of action, while forcing 16 Portland turnovers.
- Sunday's overtime game was Denver's first of the season after four overtime games a year ago.
- Nicholas Shogbonyo finished with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and 2 steals.
- Shogbonyo finished in double figures for the sixth game in his first season with the Pios.
- Shogbonyo's scoring night was a career-high.
- Shogbonyo also finished with 5+ assists for the first time in his career.
- DeAndre Craig finished with 16 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists.
- Craig finished in double figures for the fifth time this season and the 16th time in his career.
- Craig finished with 5+ assists for the third time this season and the sixth time in his career.
- Pedro Lopez-Sanvicente finished with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists.
- Lopez-Sanvicente finished in double figures for the fourth time this season and the ninth time of his career.
- Sebastian Akins finished with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals.
- Akins finished in double figures for the second-straight game and the sixth time in his freshman season.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
After falling behind by as many as 15, Denver went on a 7-0 run with 6:07 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Shogbonyo, to narrow its deficit to 28-23. Portland answered back and added to its lead, leaving the Pioneers down 39-30 entering halftime.
After intermission, Denver managed to gain control and had a 54-53 lead before going on a 10-0 run, finished off by Lopez Sanvicente's three, to grow the lead to 64-53 with 6:33 to go in the contest. The Pilots then fought back to even things up at 70-70 and send the game to overtime. Denver took care of business in the paint, recording 24 of its 40 points in the lane.
Denver came from behind in the first overtime, getting a DeAndre Craig layin to beat the buzzer and send the game to a second overtime.
The Pilots went on a big run in the second overtime to ultimately pull away for an 11-point win.
This article was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.
UP NEXT:
Denver will return home after four-straight away from home on Wednesday night when the Pioneers welcome Sacramento State into Hamilton Gymnasium. The game will be broadcast on Altitude TV and 104.3 The Fan HD3.
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