After a lackluster game against Adams State two nights earlier, the Pioneers (8-5), took their frustration out on the Northern New Mexico Eagles (Continental Athletic Conference/NAIA), 90-57 Wednesday night at Hamilton Gym. Unlike Monday night, there was little question of who the best team was on the night.
In the first half, DU raced out to a 22-point lead, 48-26, at the halftime break. Denver scored 10 points off turnovers and dominated the paint with 24 points along with 13 fast break points.
In the second half, Denver scored 26 points off the bench, outscoring the Eagles by 11 in the frame, to coast to a 33-point win. It was good timing to finish on an up note heading into the Summit League regular season opening game against Omaha on Friday, December 29th.
Tommy Bruner finished with 22 points, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds. Touko Tainamo almost had another double-double with 21 points and 9 rebounds. Tyson Garff finished with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals in a solid effort off the bench. Pedro Lopez-Sanvicente continues to have his best season in crimson and gold with 9 points and 6 rebounds. Denver shot 50% from the field and a sizzling 39% from beyond the arc (9-23) in the nonconference finale.
Glad to see the Pios play well, even against a garbage opponent – DU can only play the teams that are put in front of them.
Good to see Garff contributing and gaining confidence now – DU can always use more pop from that bench. They will certainly need that in the grind of Summit League play, where there will be tough nights scoring.
Get a good X-mas break boys, and be ready ready to go when league play begins. As Dunker says, “there is no team left on the schedule that DU can’t beat”