DENVER (Interstat) — Coryn Watts scored a game-high 32 points to propel the Denver women’s basketball team to a 76-71 victory over California Baptist on Friday afternoon at Magness Arena. The Pioneers, who improved to 6-7, never trailed after the first quarter but endured multiple rallies from the Lancers. California Baptist, which fell to 6-6, cut Denver’s lead to one point several times in the fourth quarter. Watts, a guard from Aurora, Colorado, added five assists and four rebounds. Grace Schmidt led the Lancers with 22 points. Denver held a 37-33 halftime advantage. A key 8-0 run in the final period, capped by an Ana Conde 3-pointer with 1:21 remaining, secured the win for the Pioneers before an announced crowd of 330. Laia Monclova added 17 points and eight rebounds for Denver.

DENVER (Interstat) — In a game defined by runs and resilience, the Denver Pioneers leaned on a career-defining performance from Coryn Watts to edge the California Baptist Lancers 76-71 in a nonconference women’s basketball game Friday afternoon at Magness Arena. The contest, played before an intimate crowd of 330, saw the Pioneers improve to 6-7 on the season, while the Lancers fell to an even 6-6. The outcome defied the statistical projections, which heavily favored California Baptist. The most critical phase of the game unfolded in the final 90 seconds. With Denver clinging to a 71-69 lead, the Pioneers executed a decisive play to create crucial separation. After a California Baptist miss, Denver worked the ball to Watts near the top of the key. The junior guard from Aurora, Colorado, drew the defense and fired a cross-court pass to a wide-open Ana Conde in the corner. The freshman from Madrid, Spain, calmly sank the three-pointer, pushing Denver’s advantage to 74-69 with 1:21 remaining. California Baptist, which had fought back from multiple deficits throughout the afternoon, had one final push. Grace Schmidt converted inside to cut the lead to 74-71 with 1:03 left. Following a Denver turnover, the Lancers had a chance to tie, but Shawnee Nordstrom’s driving layup was off target. Denver secured the defensive rebound, forcing California Baptist to foul. Watts, who had carried the offensive load all evening, stepped to the line with 10 seconds left. She missed the first attempt but coolly sank the second, making it a two-possession game at 75-71. After a California Baptist timeout, a desperate three-point attempt by Khloe Lemon missed, and Watts was fouled on the rebound. She split another pair of free throws with under a second left to provide the final margin. The game’s narrative was one of surges and counter-surges. Denver established an early rhythm, leading 18-16 after a first quarter that featured six lead changes. The Pioneers extended their lead to 37-33 by halftime, largely behind the scoring of Watts and Laia Monclova. California Baptist, however, erupted in the third quarter, outscoring Denver 24-23 behind the interior play of Schmidt and the all-around effort of Emma Johansson to keep the game within a single possession entering the fourth. Watts was the undeniable star, finishing with a game-high 32 points, along with five assists and four rebounds in 39 minutes. Her performance, which included four three-pointers, was her highest scoring output of the season and came on the heels of a 30-point game just 10 days prior. She consistently answered California Baptist rallies with timely jumpers and drives. Monclova, a sophomore from Mallorca, Spain, provided vital support with 17 points and eight rebounds. Conde added 11 points off the bench, with her late three-pointer serving as the game’s biggest shot. California Baptist’s effort was led by a balanced and persistent attack. Schmidt, a junior from Ixonia, Wisconsin, dominated in the paint, scoring 22 points on efficient shooting. Nordstrom, from Hamilton, New Zealand, added 15 points, while Johansson, the 6-foot-3 forward from Sweden, posted a stat line of 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a block. Lauren Olsen contributed nine points and eight rebounds off the bench. The Lancers struggled from beyond the arc throughout the afternoon, a factor that ultimately hindered their ability to overtake the Pioneers in the closing minutes. Denver, meanwhile, capitalized on key California Baptist turnovers down the stretch and made just enough free throws to seal the victory. Both teams now break for the holidays before entering the heart of their conference schedules. California Baptist travels to face Nebraska on Sunday, while Denver opens Summit League play at home against North Dakota on New Year’s Day.

DENVER (Interstat) — Two teams looking to halt late-December slides will meet Friday afternoon when the California Baptist Lancers visit the Denver Pioneers in a nonconference women’s basketball matchup at Magness Arena. California Baptist (6-5) arrives having lost four straight, including a 59-67 home defeat to UC San Diego on Monday. The Lancers’ offense has struggled during the skid, failing to reach 70 points in any of the four losses. They will lean on forward Emma Johansson, who has been a consistent performer. Johansson is coming off a 10-point, 3-block effort against UC San Diego and scored 21 points in a loss at Pepperdine on Dec. 3. Denver (4-7) seeks to rebound from a 38-77 road loss at Kansas on Sunday. The Pioneers have found wins scarce against Division I competition, with their last such victory coming against Cal State Fullerton on Nov. 16. Guard Victoria Baker, who led Denver with 10 points at Kansas, will be a key facilitator. Her season high of six assists came in a 92-68 win over Division II MSU Denver on Dec. 9. The game represents a final tune-up before both teams enter conference play after the holidays. California Baptist begins Western Athletic Conference action on Jan. 1, while Denver starts Summit League play the same day. Historically, the Pioneers have defended their home court well this season, posting a 3-2 record at Magness Arena. The Lancers, however, are just 1-4 in true road games. The matchup may hinge on which team can establish offensive rhythm after recent struggles. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST Friday. The Lancers will travel to face Nebraska on Sunday, while Denver is off until its conference opener against North Dakota on Jan. 1.