DENVER - The University of Denver women's basketball team defeated Cal State Fullerton, 60-55, on Sunday afternoon in Hamilton Gymnasium. 

Coryn Watts tied her career-high with 23 points along with five rebounds and three assists. Tori Baker stuffed the stat sheet for the Pioneers with a career-high 15 points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block. Laia Monclova added another double-digit performance with 10 points and five steals and Laila McLeod had a career-best seven boards.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

In a whistle-heavy opening, both teams struggled to find rhythm as nine fouls were called in the first five minutes. Chaos at midcourt led to a disjointed start, and Denver held Cal State Fullerton scoreless for three and a half minutes before the Titans tied the game at 10–10 late in the first quarter. Denver closed the frame strong, taking a 14–10 lead after one.

Denver opened the second quarter cold, going two minutes without a basket before Ana Conde converted on a third-chance layup. Denver pushed the tempo throughout the period, capitalizing with 13 fast-break points. Behind steady perimeter shooting—38.5% from three and 37% inside the arc—the Pioneers built a 34–22 advantage at halftime.

The third quarter opened with a flurry of whistles, including four fouls in the first 20 seconds. The Titans had all the momentum with an 8–0 run to pull within 38–32, while Denver endured another scoring drought of three and a half minutes. Watts finally broke through with a three at the 4:10 mark, helping DU reset the pace. Back-to-back threes from Watts and Baker pushed the lead to 48–39, and Denver entered the fourth up 50–41.

Cal State Fullerton came out attacking in the final period, forcing Denver into eight turnovers in the opening minutes. The Pioneers went scoreless for over five minutes as their lead shrank to a single point. Watts ended the drought with a layup at 2:56, and DU managed to steady itself in the final minute, going up 58–53. A clutch steal by Baker and two made free throws sealed Denver's 60–55 victory.

UP NEXT: The Pioneers return to Hamilton Gymnasium on Friday night at 6 p.m. MT to take on Regis University. 

Visit DenverPioneers.com for complete coverage of all 18 of Denver's NCAA Division I sports.-
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