LetsGoDU: Denver Shoots the Lights Out, Downs St Thomas, 94-77

Following a four-game losing streak, Denver men’s basketball (14-12, 5-6) took their frustration out on St. Thomas by scorching the Tommies Saturday afternoon. DU shot 57.9% from the field, 40% from Three (10-25) and 18 of 20 from the line. Ultimately, it was sound defense that triggered the win along with veteran Jaxson Brenchley playing his best game of the season. Brenchley finished with a glittering stat line of 25 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists along with a steal and a block in 37 minutes. The Utah transfer was just one star of many for the afternoon at Hamilton Gym who owned the Tommies from start to finish.

The last time the Tommies saw the lead was two minutes into the first half. Once the smoke cleared, they trailed 45-32 at the break. St Thomas focused their efforts on Tommy Bruner so he gladly dished out assists and allowed Brenchley to do the damage. Bruner finished with 7 assists, 6 in the first half. The Tommies scored early with back cuts and baseline drives but DU’s defense tightened up as the game progressed. Denver’s swarming defense held the Tommies under 40% from the field and 21% from downtown in the first half.

Denver carried over their outstanding defense to the second half. Denver not only stopped the Tommies, Denver added more points to their lead. DU shared the ball and got stops on the visitors as the Pioneer advantage grew to 27 points, 70-43,  capped by a jumper from Tommy Bruner at 12:37. It was academic from there as Denver coasted to the win, 94-77.

While Jaxson Brenchley was the star for DU, many Denver players contributed mightily to the win. Touko Tainamo had 10 points and 9 rebounds before twisting an ankle in the second half. Bruner finished with 18 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds and a steal, continuing his outstanding team play. Freshman DeAndre Craig had a  solid game at the point directing the offense and scoring 14 points, his high for conference play. Tyson Garf had 10 points and 3 rebounds as five players ended with double figures. Pedro Lopez-Sanvicente was outstanding with 9 points, 2 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals. Overall, a dominant game, triggered by a swarming team-first defense.

The Pioneers are down to only three home games remaining on their regular season schedule. DU faces North Dakota at 7:00 pm MT Thursday at Hamilton Gym. Then, the North Dakota State Bison come to town Saturday for a 2:00 pm MT matinee.