The Denver Pioneers hosted the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Sunday afternoon in Sun Belt conference play. Through the first half of play, it looked as though the Pioneers would coast to an easy win as the Hilltoppers had continued difficulty finding the basket. The second half, however, turned into a dogfight. The Pioneers were able to come away with the 78-65 win to improve to an overall record of 14-4. They are now 4-1 in Sun Belt play.
The Pioneers jumped out to a huge lead after the first half, going up by a score of 43-16 as the Hilltoppers, despite making more field goal attempts than Denver, shot only 25 percent from the floor.
In the second half, the Hilltoppers came out with guns blazing, outscoring the Pioneers 42-29 into the final minutes. Denver was able to score just enough in the second half to make their big lead at halftime hold up and pull away again at the end.
Chris Udofia of the Pioneers managed a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Brian Stafford also contributed 17 points to the cause for Denver.
The Denver Pioneers will play their next game on Thursday, January 19, as they travel to face the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks.
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