The Pioneers play fundamentally sound basketball, but the University of Denver has yet to turn the corner.
In their home finale Sunday, the Pioneers (11-16, 7-9 Sun Belt) hung with New Orleans (18-10, 8-8) but lacked a knockout punch despite numerous open 3-pointers in a 60-54 loss at Magness Arena.
Marvelous shot selection produced a .591 first-half shooting percentage despite going 1-for-7 beyond the arc. But the Pioneers led just 30-29 at halftime after forcing 13 turnovers.
Early in the second half, New Orleans’ deep, senior-led squad appeared to pull away, 44-35, but DU crept back into contention. A few minutes later, a series of misdirection cuts and dribbles left Rob Lewis alone at the top of the key for a 3-pointer that sliced the lead to 46-45 with 9:09 remaining.
But DU missed eight open 3-pointers. Over the next 7 1/2 minutes, DU was limited to a single Joe Jackson layup while the visitors hit six free throws.
“It’s a little bit of inexperience on our part, being in close games . . . tough, tense, hard-fought college basketball games with a lot on the line,” coach Joe Scott said.
Senior Adam Tanner made senior day memorable with 18 points, four assists and an optimistic cast at the future.
“It’s good to be a part of a building block in the program and starting over, and knowing I’ve been able to contribute,” Tanner said.
NEW ORLEANS (18-10, 8-8 Sun Belt)
Dykes 2-4 4-4 8, Elias 2-3 0-0 4, McCalebb 7-14 5-6 22, Parlow 1-6 0-0 2, Reynolds 3-4 2-2 10, Tyrna 0-0 0-0 0, Manning 1-1 0-0 2, Worley 2-3 0-0 4, Myers 1-3 4-4 6, Souleymane 1-1 0-0 2. Totals 20-39 15-16 60.
DENVER (11-16, 7-9)
R. Lewis 6-10 0-0 13, Rohnert 4-11 3-4 12, Tanner 6-8 4-4 18, K. Lewis 1-3 0-0 2, Jackson 3-7 2-2 8, McNally 0-3 1-2 1, Peter-Denman 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 20-43 10-12 54.
Halftime — Denver 30-29. 3-point goals —New Orleans 5-11 (McCalebb 3-7, Reynolds 2-2, Myers 0-1, Parlow 0-1), Denver 4-18 (Tanner 2-4, R. Lewis 1-2, Rohnert 1-5, K. Lewis 0-1, McNally 0-3, Jackson 0-3). Fouled out —R. Lewis. Rebounds — New Orleans 24 (Dykes 6), Denver 20 (Jackson 6). Assists — New Orleans 11 (McCalebb 3), Denver 14 (McNally 6). Total fouls —New Orleans 16, Denver 15. A — 3,820.
