The Pioneers took on Mike Daum and South Dakota State Jackrabbits on Sunday night and just fell short by a score of 92-82. The Pioneers witnessed an exciting future as freshman duo Jase Townsend (Dallas, Texas) and David Nzekwesi (Fort Worth, Texas) topped the score sheet for the Pioneers with 17 and 21 points, respectively. This combined 38-point performance earned both freshmen their career highs while at Denver. Junior Ade Murkey (Minneapolis, Minn.) ended the night with 10 points.

Both teams began strong in the opening minutes of the game with it being a one-point contest, but the Jackrabbits were able to get an 11-5 run. Denver was able to keep up as the half went on, but the Jackrabbits were able to end the half with an 11-point lead. As the second half commenced, the Jackrabbits were able to jump ahead even further, extending their lead by 24 points at one point. However, the Pioneers were able to fight back in the closing minutes of the second half with a young group of players to make the final score 92-82.

The Pioneers commence a two-week road trip making their first stop at Oral Roberts on Thursday, Feb. 7.