DENVER - University of Denver men's basketball sophomore Brett Olson (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) had a team-high 17 points, and junior forward Chris Udofia (Irving, Texas) had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, but the Pioneers fell 72-61 to the California Golden Bears at Magness Arena on Friday night.
"We competed extremely hard tonight," head coach Joe Scott said. "Our offense had a lot of opportunities and let us down tonight. We played the way we wanted to play, but you have to give a veteran team in Cal credit for finishing their opportunities."
Denver (1-2) shot 36.7 percent (22-of-60) from the field and 36.0 percent (9-of-25) from three-point range in the game. The Golden Bears (3-0) shot 51.0 percent from the floor (25-of-49), including 73.7 percent (14-of-19) in the second half, and went 20-for-25 (80.0 percent) from the free throw line.
Sophomore forward Royce O'Neale (Killeen, Texas) added 14 points and four steals, and redshirt junior forward Blake Foeman (Weston, Fla.) connected on a pair of three-pointers for the Pioneers and totaled eight points.
The Pioneers held an early lead with back-to-back three pointers by Foeman and Olson. The Golden Bears took a 19-14 lead midway through the first half before Denver reclaimed the lead when O'Neale's fast break dunk put the Pioneers up 20-19. A defensive battle prevented significant runs by either team in the first half, and California led 29-28 at the intermission.
A three-pointer by Olson with 14:24 remaining brought the Crimson and Gold to within two at 39-37, but Cal went on a 15-2 run to give the Golden Bears their largest lead at 60-44.
Olson's fourth and fifth baskets from beyond the arc sparked the Pioneers, who cut the deficit to eight with 34 seconds remaining, but Cal held on for the win.
Cal guard Allen Crabbe finished with 20 points, including his 1,000th career points during the game, while Justin Cobbs added 17. David Kravish had a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
The Pioneers return to action Wednesday, when they host in-state rival Colorado State. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. MT, and the game will be broadcasted live on ROOT SPORTS.
Individual game tickets are on sale now with prices starting at $9 for adults. DU Students get into the game for free with their Pioneer Card.
Visit denverpioneers.com for complete coverage of all DU's Division I athletic programs.
--EXPERIENCE DENVER ATHLETICS-
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