Denver knocks off St. Joe's, 77-73

DENVER - Facing frigid temperatures and a nine-day layoff, St. Joseph's lost it focus late against the Denver Pioneers in a 77-73 overtime loss Monday night.

The Hawks looked ready to cruise after an 11-0 run in the middle of the second half before four crucial turnovers in the final seven minutes allowed the Pioneers (6-7) to tie it at 65 with 42 seconds remaining.

Coming out of a timeout, Hawks coach Phil Martelli drew up a play for Isaiah Miles. The junior got a good look at a three but the shot rimmed out, giving Denver a glimmer of hope.

The Pioneers lost the ball out of bounds to force overtime.

The Hawks quickly fell behind, 70-65, in the extra period before Miles drilled his fourth three-pointer of the game to give them new life. But Brett Olson's three sealed it for Denver.

Miles scored a career-high of 24 points on blistering 8-of-11 shooting. Yet Olson matched him blow-for-blow, providing the Pioneers with 27 points, five rebounds and three assists.

De'Andre Bembry had 20 points for St. Joe's (6-5).

St. Joseph's built a 37-30 halftime advantage by dominating down low, outscoring Denver, 11-0, on second-chance points while not allowing an offensive rebound.

With most of their damage being done in the paint, the Hawks were also able to rack up some easy points at the charity stripe, draining 10 of 12 first-half free throws.

But after falling behind 45-43 with just over 13 minutes remaining, the Hawks answered with a clutch, 11-0 run that included two big threes from Bembry and Miles.