The Basics
Score: Oral Roberts 60 – Denver 71
Record: ORU (6-20), (2-11) – DU (10-19), (4-10)
Location: Hamilton Gymnasium (Denver, Colorado)
 
DENVER, Colo. – Issac McBride surpassed the 2,000 career point threshold as the Oral Roberts men's basketball fell 71-60 to Denver Wednesday night in Hamilton Gymnasium.
 
A slow offensive start saw the Golden Eagles fall behind early as Denver held a 17-7 lead with 12:21 left in the first half. ORU strung together a quick 6-0 run to cut the deficit to four before the Pioneers responded with a three. Both teams traded scores over the final 10 minutes, but ORU went into the break down just 29-23 despite shooting just 24% from the floor and 18.2% from three.
 
The Golden Eagles got into a better offensive rhythm early in the second half as they began chipping into the Denver lead. A 9-0 run between the 14:25 and 12:04 minute mark helped ORU tie the game 39-39. Four different Golden Eagles scored during the run. A few minutes later, however, the Pioneers orchestrated their own 7-0 run and rebuilt their lead. A corner triple by JoJo Moore trimmed the lead down to six with 5:50 remaining, but Sebastian Akins hit a timely three-pointer on Denver's next trip down the floor to put the home team back up nine. The Golden Eagles tried to put together one last run, but the Pioneers withstood ORU's efforts and came away with the 71-60 victory.
 
Box Score Highlights
Oral Roberts Individuals: JoJo Moore 16 points, 6-12 FG, 7 rebounds; Sam Alajiki 15 points, 11 rebounds; Issac McBride 11 points, 3 assists.
 
Denver Individuals: Sebastian Akins 15 points, 7-13 FG; DeAndre Craig 11 points, 5 rebounds; Nicholas Shogbonyo 11 points, 9-10 FT.
 
Key Team Stats
ORU shot 38.0 percent (19-50) from the floor, 26.3 percent (5-19) from three, and 73.9 percent (17-23) from the free throw line. ORU had 10 turnovers and forced 12 Denver turnovers, but DU outscored the Golden Eagles 13-6 in points off turnovers. The Pioneers outrebounded ORU 37-26. Denver tallied nine assists to ORU's six.
 
Key Turning Point
ORU used a 9-0 second half to climb back and tie the game at 39 with 12:04 to play. After trading baskets the next few possessions, Denver rattled off a 7-0 run of its own to regain a lead over the Golden Eagles. Four DU free throws and a three by DeAndre Craig pushed the Pioneers to a 51-43 lead with 7:41 remaining, and they never looked back.
 
Key Stats & Notes

• JoJo Moore led the Golden Eagles in scoring for the 3rd time this season with a game-high 16 points.
• Sam Alajiki notched his second double-double of the season with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
• Mathok Majok recorded career-highs in points (7), minutes (25), blocks (2), and free throws made (3) off the bench.
• Issac McBride (11 points) surpassed 2,000 career points tonight. He now sits at 1,902 points for his Golden Eagle career.
• ORU falls to 2-11 in Summit League play.
• Denver moves to 4-10 in league play.

Up Next
The Golden Eagles return to the Mabee Center this Saturday for a 7:00 p.m. matchup against St. Thomas.
 
For the latest information on ORU men's basketball, follow @ORUMBB on X, Instagram, and Facebook or go to www.ORUAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates on the team by downloading the ORU Athletics App in the Google Play or App Store.