The University of Denver women’s basketball team claimed its third straight win and a share of first place in the Sun Belt Conference’s West Division with a 50-45 home victory over Florida International on Saturday afternoon.
Senior Venice Adams led all DU scorers with 14 points, and Tyesha Lowery added 13 for the Pioneers (9-6, 3-1 Sun Belt). The loss was Florida International’s first in conference play, bringing the Panthers’ record to 9-6 overall, 2-1 in conference play.
Adams also had a career-high 17 rebounds for her third straight double-double.
With the score tied at 27 at the beginning of the second half, the Pioneers defense turned up the heat on FIU, preventing the Panthers from any consistency on offense, while launching an 8-3 run. Florida International’s first three baskets of the half came over three minutes apart, while DU stretched its lead to seven.
With one minute remaining, the Panthers cut the Pioneers’ lead to two off back-to-back baskets by FIU leading scorer Lasma Jekabsone. DU’s Adams answered with a layup, followed by two free throws to give Denver a six-point advantage at 48-42.
With seven seconds left, FIU’s LaQuetta Ferguson hit a desperation 3-pointer, but a good inbound play kept the Panthers at bay when Brooke Meyer launched the ball downcourt to an open Lowery, who converted a layup to seal Denver’s victory.
Nebraska-Kearney 75, CU-Colorado Springs 40
Kearney, Neb. – Liz Fischer and Kalee Modlin each scored 16 points as the Lopers (11-4, 6-1 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) had no trouble with the Mountain Lions (4-8, 3-4), who had no player score in double figures.
Colorado Mines 54, CSU-Pueblo 53, OT
Golden – The Orediggers (10-5, 4-3 RMAC) blew a 10-point lead with nine minutes left in regulation, but Angela Pearson’s basket in overtime gave them the win. CSU-Pueblo’s Kerry Lewis, who led the Thunderwolves (8-7, 3-4) with 16 points, hit a 3-pointer with two minutes left for a 52-50 lead. Iva Tomova answered for Mines, sending the game into OT.
Colorado Christian 61, Colorado College 55
Lakewood – K.C. Long had 22 points, including 5-of-11 on 3-pointers, to lead the Cougars (3-13) to a nonconference win. Liz Kolbe topped the Tigers (9-5) with 13 points.
Metro State 73, Western State 43
Megan Sinclair posted her first career double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds as the Roadrunners (10-4, 7-0 RMAC) blew out the Mountaineers at the Auraria Events Center.
Audra Lawson led Western (4-10, 2-5) with 14 points.
Fort Hays State 68, Adams State 39
Hays, Kan. – Fort Hays State (12-2, 7-0 RMAC) held the Grizzlies (1-14, 0-7) to 20 percent shooting in the second half in blowing open what had been a five-point game at halftime.
