Both the men’s and women’s’ basketball teams finished up their games this weekend with identical scores.
The women, however, went 2-0 and are 9-6-0, 4-1 in the season after defeating the University of Arkansas-Little Rock 73-72 and University of Louisiana-Monroe 58-47.
The Pioneers have now won three consecutive games, and four of the last five.
“We’re improving every game,” said senior Nnenna Akatoabi. “We’re beating some quality opponents and we’re establishing ourselves in the league.”
On Wednesday, freshman Kaetlyn Murdoch had a career-high 13-blocked-shots, which set a new DU program record for blocks in a single game.
Murdoch set a Sun Belt Conference record for most blocked shots in a SBC game.
Murdoch is the sixth player in NCAA history to finish with 13 locks in a game.
Despite Murdoch’s outstanding record-breaking performance on Wednesday, she took two early fouls and played only four minutes in the first half of Sunday’s game against the Warhawks.
On Sunday, sophomore guard Britteni Rice led the Pioneers in scoring with a total of 15 points.
Rice currently leads the team in scoring, averaging 10.3 points per game.
Senior guards Andie Mason and Celena Otero each contributed seven points to help DU to the victory.
ULM began the game leading with up to six points within the first 10 minutes before Denver was able to break out, outscoring the Warhawks 13-2 in a 4:18 span gaining a seven point lead and carried it into the second half.
Both teams continued exchanging points before Denver had an 8-0 run over a 2:17 span and leading 43-32.
The Warhawks cut the lead back to three with less than 5 minutes remaining.
After two layups and five consecutive points from Otero, the Pioneers led 53-41 with less than one minute remaining.
In spite of ULM’s final attempt, Denver remained on top for the 58-47 win.
In the second half, the Warhawks were able to cut DU’s lead to three, 31-28
Although the women have been off to a good start, the team is still building.
“Obviously, we’re turning the ball over way too much,” said head coach Erik Johnson. “We have to get better at making some decisions and delivering the ball, understanding the offence and angles and as that comes along we’ll be able to be a very good team.”
The Pioneers travel to take on North Texas tomorrow for their first of what will be a three-game road stretch.
“North Texas is extremely athletic,” Rice said. “We’re going to have to use our brains to outsmart them like we have been for most of the teams so far.”
