DU opened conference play against South Dakota State, defending Summit League champions. The first half was a disaster as the Pioneers were ineffective on both ends of the floor and trailed by 27 at halftime. The second half was much better for Denver, narrowing the deficit to 12 points, but Denver faded again in the final ten minutes.

The Jackrabbits doubled up the Pioneers 12-6 in the first five minutes. Oscar Cluff, SDSU Australian big man, was dominating the game early. DU’s Abdulai Fanta Kabba. Kabba, a 7’0″ pivot, got his first time on the floor to match Cluff. Unfortunately, it was no contest. SDSU’s size combined with cold shooting by DU (20%) put the Pioneers in a deep hole, 27-13, with 8:00 minutes remaining. Denver could only score six points down the stretch to the Jackrabbits nineteen points for a 46-19 score at the break. Denver was outrebounded by 19 in the first half road drubbing.

Denver opened the second half with more heart and effort. The Pioneers heated up from range and SDSU went cold as DU cut the lead to 12 points on a pair of Pedro Sanvicente threes, 59-47. Cluff continued to damage Denver in the paint as SDSU built a 19-point lead with eight minutes remaining. DU could get no closer on the scoreboard as the Jackrabbits pushed their lead to 24 points with three minutes to play. Denver cut the margin by three points in the final ninety seconds, 91-70 final.

Kabba showed flashes in the pivot in 14 minutes to begin his collegiate career. Cluff’s 30 points and 19 rebounds for the Jackrabbits exposed DU’s interior defense and pushed DU’s scoring to the perimeter. While Denver came out with better effort in the second half, it was the first half that set the tone. Denver newcomers Nicholas Shogbonyo and Sebastian Akins led DU with 18 and 17 points respectively.