Denver men’s basketball (8-10, 1-2) began their South Dakota road swing Thursday night against South Dakota State in Brookings, S.D. The Jackrabbits have historically been the best program in the Summit League. DU’s last win in Brookings against South Dakota State was in 2008 when Denver won 83-80, marking their only victory in 14 attempts during their modern Division I era. Make it 15-1 after Thursday night’s 87-79 defeat.

In the first half, the teams played tight with the Jackrabbits holding a narrow, low scoring edge until 7 minutes remained. Logan Kinsey spotted DU the lead, 18-17. A Jeremiah Burke jumper and a Carson Johnson three point make put the Pioneers up, 23-19. The teams traded points until another Carson Johnson three pointer gave DU a five point edge with 2:16 remaining. A pair of SDSU layups and a bucket by Kalen Garry, pulled the teams even at 33 each. A pair of free throw by Carson Johnson gave the Pioneers the halftime lead, 35-33.

The Pioneers were led by double-digit scoring from Jeremiah Burke and Carson Johnson. Denver only shot 40% in the first twenty minutes but SDSU went 0-10 from beyond the arc. Denver only had four turnovers in the half.

The teams traded points in the first five minutes and Denver held a 4 point lead following a Carson Johnson jumper and counter by Caleb Delzel, 48-44 DU. Joe Sayler pulled the Jackrabbits within one point at the midway mark but Carson Johnson and Shaun Wysocki built a quick five point advantage, 63-58. Over the next several minutes, SDSU tied and moved ahead of DU at the five-minute mark, 73-71, as a Carson Johnson three point make closed the gap. Denver fell behind by five over the next minute. A Bubz Alvarez three pointer pulled SDSU up by 7 with three minutes left. A Zane Nelson three with under a minute pulled Denver within 6, 85-79 but it was too little, too late. Denver stayed at 79 and SDSU added two free throws for a final score, 87-79.

It was the same old story, Denver seemed to wear down in the second half and miss key stops. Denver only plays 7 deep and shot 43% for the game. SDSU made 6 threes in the final 20 minutes and out-rebounded DU for the game, 42-33. Carson Johnson finished with 27 points and Jeremiah Burke had 20 points and 8 rebounds in the losing effort.

Next up is a noon game (Mountain Time) Saturday against South Dakota In Vermillion, S.D.