DENVER -- The Denver Pioneers connected on 10 of 20 3-point field goal attempts and committed just six turnovers in a 70-58 win over favored Saint Mary's in front of 5,408 fans at Magness Arena.
Rob Jones led Saint Mary's (2-1) with 21 points and 11 rebounds, and Matthew Dellavedova scored 20, including four 3-pointers.
The Gaels return to action Sunday with a first round game against San Francisco State in the Shamrock Office Solutions Classic at McKeon Pavilion. The 4 p.m. tipoff preceeds a Jacksonville State vs. Weber State contest that begins at 6:30 p.m.
The Pioneers were led by Rob Lewis' 17 points, while Chris Udofia had 13, and Denver remained unbeaten on the season.
Lewis was 4 of 8 from the field and 9 of 11 from the free-throw line. Justin Coughlin added 10 points for the Pioneers (4-0), who won despite their leading scorer, Brian Stafford, being held to eight points on 3-of-7 shooting. Denver was 10 for 20 (50 percent) from 3-point range.
Denver outscored the Gaels 35-29 in each half and forced 14 turnovers for the game. It was the Pioneers' first-ever victory over Saint Mary's, which had won the only two previous meetings.
Saint Mary's led 9-4 early in the first half after a Dellavedova 3-pointer, but Denver responded with three straight 3-pointers and never trailed again.