Box Score NEW ORLEANS - Chase Hallam scored a career-high 19 points to help Denver to a 53-45 win at New Orleans on Saturday evening.
Nate Rohnert added 17 points and a career-high 13 rebounds to help the Pioneers (16-11, 9-7 Sun Belt Conference) pick up their first win at UNO in 13 tries.
Freshman point guard Carl Blair scored 17 points and had seven rebounds for the Privateers (8-19, 3-13). Sophomore guard Charles Carmouche had a career-high 11 rebounds.
But UNO could not overcome 31 percent shooting, including 11 percent in the opening half.
Denver, though, did not fare much better. The Pioneers shot 39 percent (31 percent in the first half).
It was Denver's first road win in Sun Belt play.
UNO never fully recovered from the first half, which saw the hosts make just two field goals. The Privateers trailed 20-10 at halftime but outscored Denver 8-1 to start the final frame.
UNO managed to get the lead down to 28-27 with 10:23 left on a free throw from Devin McDonald. The Privateers, who never led in the game, could get no closer.
Denver struggled from the free throw line early but got hot when it counted. The Pioneers made their final 12 free throws during the final 3:12.
It was the home finale for UNO, which honored departing seniors Destin Damachoua, Ejike Hart and Billy Humphrey in a pregame ceremony.
Damachoua scored six points, though Hart was limited to just two minutes due to injury. Humphrey missed his 11th straight game due to a knee injury.
