Senior captain B.J. Pratt scored a game-high 26 points and senior guard Leslie Richardson added a career-high 14 as the Denver Pioneers downed New Orleans, 68-63, in Sun Belt Conference action on February 23 in Denver’s final home game of the season. The Pioneers’ third straight win improves their record to 15-13 overall and 7-7 in the SBC, while New Orleans falls to 14-12 overall and 7-7 in the SBC.

“It was great to see a total team effort,” head coach Terry Carroll said. “The seniors played well in their final home game. Hopefully that effort and confidence will carryover to Thursday night at New Mexico State.”

The New Orleans Privateers had their biggest lead early in the contest, scoring the game’s first five points. Denver responded and a layup by senior point guard Dusty Wadlington gave Denver an early 10-7 advantage at the 15:01 mark. A Pratt three-pointer at 11:20 put the Pioneers lead at 15-11.

A three-point basket by Justin Lauga gave UNO its largest second half lead of two (51-49) with 8:15 remaining. Denver reacted and a free throw by junior center Brett Starkey put the Pioneers back up 62-60 with 2:01 left to play. Denver took care of the basketball and two free throws by Pratt with four seconds on the clock sealed the victory.

Denver plays its final regular season game of the year on Thursday, February 27 when the Pioneers travel to Las Cruces, N.M to face SBC foe and West Division rival New Mexico State in the Pan American Center. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. MT and can be heard live on AM 1600 or over the internet at DenverPioneers.com.