Despite a career-high 22 points from junior forward Brooks Allen, St. Thomas men’s basketball fell 91-80 against the University of Denver Thursday at Schoenecker Arena.
When these two teams met on Dec. 22, the Tommies (9-20, 3-14 Summit League) narrowly lost 75-74 to the Pioneers (10-20, 6-11) off of an alley-oop layup that gave Denver the lead as time expired.
In tonight’s matchup, Denver dominated the second half, shooting 21-for-26 and the Tommies couldn’t keep up.
“Two points per possession was basically giving them a layup,” Allen said. “It’d be the same as if there’s no defense out there.”
The first half was an even contest between the two teams, but the Tommies managed to gain a slight advantage over the Pioneers, going into halftime leading 31-29.
“I thought in the first half we defended well and it was a really closely contested game,” coach John Tauer said.
However, Denver came out of halftime hot, making all twelve of their first attempts and jumping out to a 54-47 lead midway through the half.
“We just couldn’t find ways to get stops,” Allen said. “That’s what ended up being the deciding factor.”
The Pioneers did not let up, shooting 80.8% and going 8-for-9 from behind the arc in the second half. While the Tommies kept scoring, they could not keep pace with Denver’s offense.
“Typically, if we get to 80 points and we take care of the ball like we do, we’re going to be in a good spot,” Tauer said.
Despite the loss, Tauer is looking forward to the final game of the season.
“It’s going to be a special day for everybody here,” Tauer said. “It’s a chance for us to play in front of our home crowd one more time.”
The Tommies will conclude their inaugural Division I season at Schoenecker Arena at 7 p.m. Saturday, taking on the University of Omaha at Nebraska.
Derek Badger can be reached at badg7629@stthomas.edu.