GREELEY, Colo. – The University of Denver men’s basketball team staged a thrilling comeback Saturday, overcoming an 11-point deficit to win 86-79 against Northern Colorado. Zane Nelson led the charge with a remarkable 32 points, marking his highest score of the season.
This victory improved Denver’s record to 7-7, while Northern Colorado fell to 9-3. Nelson shot exceptionally well, going 11-for-15 from the field, including all five of his three-point attempts. He also contributed three assists and three steals.
Jeremiah Burke added 15 points, Logan Kinsey scored 14, and Carson Johnson chipped in with 11 to support Nelson’s stellar performance.
In contrast, Brock Wisne led Northern Colorado with 27 points and six rebounds, while Ring Nyeri recorded a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds.
Game Highlights:
The match started with Northern Colorado taking a quick 13-6 lead. Burke hit a three-pointer to narrow the gap, and soon after, Nelson’s scoring streak began. By halftime, the teams were tied at 40-40.
The second half saw both teams exchanging leads, but Denver relied heavily on Nelson, whose back-to-back three-pointers turned the tide in their favor. A crucial moment came with under four minutes left when Burke hit a corner three-pointer, extending Denver’s lead to four points.
Notable Stats:
- This win marked Denver’s first victory over Northern Colorado since 2016.
- The Pioneers held Northern Colorado below their usual scoring average and committed only 10 fouls during the game.
- Nevada’s Zane Nelson reached 30 points for only the third time in his career.
As the Pioneers continue their season, they will aim to maintain their momentum in upcoming games. After this win against Northern Colorado, Denver prepares to face Tulsa in their next match.
For more information on Denver’s basketball program, visit DenverPioneers.com.
Experts in sports performance have noted the importance of mental grit in basketball. Dr. Alice Morgan, a sports psychologist, emphasizes that staying calm under pressure can often make the difference in high-stakes games like this one. “Athletes who can focus and remain confident during challenging moments tend to perform better,” she says. This appears to reflect in Nelson’s performance as he led his team through a tense comeback.
Going forward, the Pioneers will need to build on this win, just as they did earlier this season against Colorado State, solidifying their place in Colorado’s basketball landscape.
