Logan, UT (Sports Network) - Brett Olson knocked down a 3-pointer at the
conclusion of overtime as the Denver Pioneers slipped by Utah State, 63-60,
in Western Athletic Conference action at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum.
Olson finished the night with 17 points, converting 3-of-4 behind the 3-point
line for the Pioneers (16-8, 12-2 WAC) as they posted their fifth straight win
and the 12th in the last 13 outings overall. Royce O'Neale added 14 points and
five assists, followed by Chase Hallam and Chris Udofia with 13 and 10 points,
respectively.
The Aggies (17-6, 8-5) were led by Jarred Shaw with 18 points and nine boards,
but still the hosts had their three-game win streak snapped. Spencer
Butterfield logged 16 points and six boards, followed by Ben Clifford with 14
and seven rebounds in the setback.
Both teams made a total of just nine field goals in the first half, as well as
five conversions at the free-throw line, which meant the 25-23 lead for the
Pioneers at the break was due to hitting a pair of 3-point tries, compared to
nine for the hosts.
In the second half Denver led by as many as nine points, but the Aggies were
able to close the gap by making good on 57.1 percent from the field,
eventually sending the contest into overtime tied at 54-54.
In the end, it was one of Olson's long balls that put the visitors over the
top as they outscored USU by a 21-3 margin on the perimeter.
GAME NOTES:
The Sports Network