Walter, Stewart lead North Dakota past Denver 78-71

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — Kienan Walter had a career-high 25 points and Marlon Stewart added 19 points, seven rebounds and seven assists as North Dakota topped Denver 78-71 on Thursday night.

De’Sean Allen-Eikens added 13 points and Billy Brown scored 10 for North Dakota (9-12, 3-4 Summit League), which snapped a four-game losing streak.

Ade Murkey scored a season-high 29 points for the Pioneers (5-16, 1-6). Jase Townsend added 15 points and seven rebounds.

Denver scored only 22 points in the first half after committing 11 turnovers. The Pioneers committed another eight turnovers in the second half but shot 56% and scored 49 points.

North Dakota led 33-22 at halftime but fell behind 44-42 with 12:29 remaining. The Pioneers built a four-point lead but a 21-9 run put North Dakota back in control.

The Fighting Hawks improved to 2-0 against the Pioneers this season. North Dakota defeated Denver 82-71 on Jan. 2.

North Dakota plays Western Illinois at home on Saturday. Denver plays at North Dakota State on Saturday.