When Tang Met Laika was too much for the couple that sat next to me, they left at intermission.

A very well-educated and thoughtful friend who attended with me wondered afterwords if there was any real depth to the story; It surprised me that we had very little conversation about it as he gave me a ride home. This after another friend had told me the day before it was one of the best plays she had ever seen.

This morning I wake to look out at a beautiful moon setting behind the mountains to the west as they start to brighten at sunrise.

So I'll be thinking about the play, it's author http://www.goddard.edu/rogeliomartinez and it's message this morning.

Have you seen it? What did you think?

A Denver Center Commissioned World Premiere
When Tang Met Laika
by Rogelio Martinez
Directed by Terrence J. Nolen
January 22 – February 27, 2010 (Opening Thursday, January 28) The Space Theatre

Commissioned by the Denver Center Theatre Company and
Magic Theatre/Alfred P. Sloan Foundation New Science & Technology Plays Initiative.


Playwright Rogelio Martinez looked to his love of the space program for inspiration when he was commissioned by the Denver Center Theatre Company to write a new play. His resulting love story is set on planet Earth and the International Space Station and involves Laika – a Soviet dog sent into space with no hope of recovery, Tang – the astronaut’s breakfast drink loved by an entire generation of American children and the ghost of cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. When Tang Met Laika, described by Director Terrence J. Nolen (Denver Center debut, Artistic Director of Philadelphia’s Arden Theatre) as “unique and audacious,” explores how a Soviet Cosmonaut and an American Astronaut thawed the Cold War.


Tickets and Subscriptions

Tickets start at $18 (some restrictions may apply) and are on sale now. The Denver Center Box Office located in the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex is open from 10am to 6pm Monday through Saturday. To purchase tickets by phone call (303) 893-4100 – for those outside the Denver calling area, 1 (800) 641-1222, TTY (303) 893-9582. Buy and print tickets on-line by visiting www.denvercenter.org.

Student $10 rush ticket are available one hour prior to curtain with a valid student ID subject to availability.

Senior and military rush tickets are available one hour prior to curtain, subject to availability.

Groups of 10+ contact 303.446.4829 or groupsales@dcpa.org

No children under six will be admitted to any theatre.

Legally Blonde follows sorority star Elle Woods, an underestimated blonde who doesn't take "no" for an answer. When her boyfriend dumps her for someone more "serious," Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style. After turning Broadway and MTV hot pink, this “Feel-Good Song and Dance Juggernaut” (New York Magazine) is “The Best New Musical Around”(WOR).

Watch a video about Legally Blonde

Groups (15+) submit a Group Request or call 303.446.4829
Run time: 2 hours, 30 minutes including one 20 minute intermission

Valentine Package at the Westin Tabor Center - Fri,  Feb 12
Follow your evening at Legally Blonde with an overnight stay at the Westin Tabor Center. Located just four blocks away, you'll enjoy a spacious guestroom featuring the world-famous Westin Heavenly Bed, parking and breakfast for two.

For tickets and more info see http://www.DCPA.org

 Great article about coach Joe Scott and his American Dream team in the Denver Post yesterday, see: http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_14169789

NEXT GAME

University of Denver (12-5, 5-1 SBC) vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (5-10, 2-2 SBC)

Thursday, January 14, 2010 • 6:05 p.m. MT

Cajundome (11,550) • Lafayette, Louisiana

           TV: None • Radio: AM 950 • Web: www.DenverPioneers.com (Video & Audio)

About Denver: The Pioneers enter Sunday’s game as the winners of the past six-out-of-eight games. DU beat two-time defending SBC champion Western Kentucky 72-67 on Jan. 10, the second-straight time the Pioneers beat the Hilltoppers. Denver returns nine players, including all five starters, and 98 percent of its scoring and rebounding from last year. DU was picked second in the Sun Belt West Division in the annual coaches’ preseason poll, and senior captain and guard Nate Rohnert was named to the Preseason All-SBC First Team.  

About Louisiana-Lafayette: The Ragin’ Cajuns beat North Texas in their last game on Jan. 7, snapping a five-game losing streak. ULL returned all five starters and nine seniors from last year’s squad that went 10-20 overall and 7-11 in the SBC. The Cajuns were picked to finish third in the SBC West Division in the preseason coaches’ poll. ULL is led by Tyren Johnson, who is seventh in the SBC with 15.7 points per game and second with 7.9 rebounds per game. Preseason All-SBC second team member Chris Gradnigo is averaging 13.6 points, and Randell Daigle has contributed 11.7 points per game. ULL is second in the SBC with a +1.9 turnover margin.

The Match-up: The Ragin’ Cajuns hold a 16-6 advantage in the all-time series, including an 8-1 mark in Lafayette. The two teams have split a pair of games in each of the past two years with the home team winning each contest. However, Denver took ULL to a pair of overtimes at the Cajundome on Jan. 3, 2009, before falling 63-62.

Nice Shootin’: The Pioneers hit 66.7 percent (30-of-45) from the field against Western Kentucky on Jan. 10, tying for the sixth-highest single game total in Denver history. Of those six games, three were this season and the other three were during DU’s NAIA days in the 1980s, meaning Denver’s top three Division I performances have all come this year. The Pioneers hit 70.5 percent (31-of-44) against Louisiana-Monroe on Dec. 19, 2009, and 67.3 percent (33-of-49) at South Dakota State on Nov. 28, 2009.

O Captain! My Captain!: Nate Rohnert continues to climb up the Denver record books. Rohnert moved into 19th place on DU’s all-time scorer list with 1,129 points, just three points shy of Alonzo Weatherly (1,132 points) for 18th place and 27 points from John Johnson (1,156 points) for 17th place. The senior captain is sixth on Denver’s all-time career list with 313 assists. After going 14-for-17 from the charity stripe in his last three games, Rohnert is sixth on DU’s all-time list with 324 career free throw made and 451 free throw attempts. The Parker, Colo., native has career totals of 1,129 points, 441 rebounds and 106 steals in 105 games.

Player of the Week: Rohnert was named Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week on Jan. 11 after combining for 50 points and 13 assists, while going 17-for-23 from the field, in Denver’s wins over New Orleans and Western Kentucky last week. Rohnert became just the second player this season to earn the honor twice (also WKU’s A.J. Slaughter). Rohnert was also named the national Mid-Majority Baller of the Week by midmajority.com.

National Rankings: The Pioneers shot over 60 percent from the field in both games last week, including 66.7 percent against WKU. Denver is second in the nation with a 52.7 field goal percentage, trailing only No. 5 Syracuse (53.6 percent). Denver is also 23rd in three-point percentage (40.1 percent).  Nate Rohnert also ranks fifth in the nation with 102 free throws made.

Percentage Game: After going 7-for-10 against WKU, junior forward Rob Lewis increased his Sun Belt lead in field goal percentage to 64.6 percent, despite missing the season’s first four games with an injury. Lewis has a career field goal percentage of 55.2 percent, which ranks seventh in DU history. Freshman guard Chase Hallam is second in the SBC at 58.9 percent, and Nate Rohnert is eighth (54.9 percent).

Tournament Teams: In the past two seasons, Denver has gone 5-1 against teams that were defending an NCAA Tournament berth. On Jan. 10, the Pioneers defeated SBC favorite Western Kentucky for the second-straight season, giving DU a 2-1 mark against 2009 Tournament teams.

Rocky Mountain Way: Eight of Denver’s 15 players hail from Colorado: Sabatino Chen (Louisville), Tom Chott (Littleton), Justin Coughlin (Yuma), Andrew Hooper (Lakewood), Kyle Lewis (Denver), Rob Lewis (Colorado Springs), Trevor Noonan (Broomfield) and Nate Rohnert (Parker).

Denver Knocks Off Western  Kentucky, 72-67

Nate Rohnert scored 23 points and dished out six assists in DU’s victory

DENVER – The University of Denver men’s basketball team defeated two-time defending Sun Belt Conference champion Western Kentucky 72-67 on Saturday afternoon in Magness Arena.

Senior guard Nate Rohnert (Parker, Colo.) paced the Sun Belt-leading Pioneers (12-5, 5-1 SBC) with 23 points, shooting 9-for-13 from the field.  Rohnert also added six assists, three rebounds and a steal.

Junior forward Rob Lewis (Colorado Springs, Colo.) netted 15 points, while tallying four rebounds, three assists and one block.

“Our senior and our junior played terrific tonight,” head coach Joe Scott said. “Nate has been playing well all season, but he’s really stepped it up this time of year, and Rob Lewis played his best two games in a row. That’s what you need, because when your upperclassmen play well, your team plays well.”

The No. 2 shooting team in the nation entering today’s game, Denver shot 66.7 percent from the field today, which tied for the sixth highest field goal percentage in DU history.  Western Kentucky (9-5, 2-1 SBC) shot 57.1 percent (24-of-42) from the field and hit 14-of-15 from the free throw line.

The Pioneers never trailed in the game and led by as many as 13 points with 12:12 remaining in the game, but the Hilltoppers fought back and cut the DU lead to 66-65 with 2:22 remaining, following an 11-2 run.

Sophomore guard Travis Hallam (Mesquite, Texas) caught a pass from Lewis while going backdoor, sank a hook shot and buried a free throw with 42 seconds left to play.  Hallam finished the game with eight points.

Preseason SBC Player of the Year A.J. Slaughter led the Hilltoppers with 28 points, six assists and three steals.

The Pioneers hit the road this week to play at Louisiana-Lafayette on Thurs., Jan. 14 and Louisiana-Monroe on Sat., Jan. 16.

DU takes on conference champs Sunday.

University of Denver (11-5, 4-1 SBC) vs. Western Kentucky (9-4, 2-0 SBC)
Sunday, January 10, 2010 • 1 p.m. MT
Magness Arena (7,200) • Denver, Colorado
TV: FSN Rocky Mountain • Radio: AM 950 • Web: www.DenverPioneers.com (Audio)

Ticket Info: Men's basketball season tickets for the 2009-10 Denver Pioneers are currently on sale. DU continues its commitment to provide the community with the most affordable and exciting entertainment in the Denver metro area. Ticket packages start at $64.

Individual game tickets also are on sale with prices ranging from $9-$15 for adults. DU students get into the game free with their Pioneer Card.

For ticket information, please visit DenverPioneers.com or call the Pioneer Basketball Ticket Hotline at (303) 871-HOOP.

Family Fun Pack Ticket Special: University of Denver men's and women’s basketball fans can purchase a Family Fun Pack for just $44 for Jan. 10 games against Western Kentucky. The Family Fun Pack includes four tickets, four sodas and four hot dogs, and is available at Ticketmaster.com and the Ritchie Center ticket windows.

About Denver: The Pioneers enter Sunday’s game as the winners of the past five-out-of-seven games. DU beat New Orleans 75-66 on Thursday, the team’s 10th-straight win at home. Denver returns nine players, including all five starters, and 98 percent of its scoring and rebounding from last year. DU was picked second in the Sun Belt West Division in the annual coaches’ preseason poll, and senior captain and guard Nate Rohnert was named to the Preseason All-SBC First Team.

About Western Kentucky: The Hilltoppers have won four-straight and seven times in their last eight games, including a 67-64 overtime victory at South Alabama on Thursday. WKU was picked to win the SBC East Division in the preseason coaches’ poll, collecting 12 of 13 first place votes. The Hilltoppers are led by Preseason SBC Player of the Year A.J. Slaughter, who is averaging 15.8 points per game, which is fifth in the SBC, and Preseason All-SBC second team selection Steffphon Pettigrew’s 13.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Sergio Kerusch, who also was voted to the second team and is averaging 13.4 points per game, is injured and expected to be out until early February. WKU is 10th in the Sun Belt in field goal percentage (43.1 percent) and 12th in both three-point percentage (30.0 percent) and assists (11.1 per game). However, the Hilltoppers are second in the conference with 12.8 offensive rebounds per game.

The Match-up: The Hilltoppers hold a 9-4 advantage in the all-time series, including a 5-2 mark in Denver. DU beat Western Kentucky 78-74 at Magness Arena on Jan. 24, 2009, which snapped a three-game losing streak to WKU.

Magness Magic: The Pioneers have won 10-straight at home, following a season opening loss to Missouri Valley favorite Northern Iowa. Since Joe Scott took over as head coach prior to the 2007-08 season, the Pioneers are 31-7 (.816) overall and 18-4 (.818) against SBC teams at Magness Arena.

TV Stars: Sunday’s game against Western Kentucky will be broadcast live on FSN Rocky Mountain with Tom Helmer (play-by-play) and Greg Lackey (color) calling the action, while Marc Stout reports from the sidelines. The Pioneers are 12-2 in games on FSN Rocky Mountain under head coach Joe Scott, including a 78-74 win over Western Kentucky on Jan. 24, 2009.

O Captain! My Captain!: Nate Rohnert continues to climb up the Denver record books. Rohnert moved into 21st place on DU’s all-time scorer list with 1,106 points, just four points shy of Dave Chavlovich (1,110 points) for 20th place and eight points from Dennis Hodge (1,113 points) for 19th place. The senior captain is sixth on Denver’s all-time career list with 307 assists. After going 9-for-10 from the charity stripe on Thursday, Rohnert is sixth on DU’s all-time list with 321 career free throw made and 447 free throw attempts. The Parker, Colo., native has career totals of 1,106 points, 438 rebounds and 105 steals in 104 games.

National Rankings: The Pioneers shot 60.5 percent (23-of-38) against New Orleans on Jan. 7, returning DU back to second place in the nation with a 51.9 field goal percentage, trailing only No. 5 Syracuse (53.8 percent) and just ahead of Murray State (51.8 percent) and No. 1 Kansas (51.3 percent). Denver is also 18th in three-point percentage (40.5 percent). Although no DU player qualifies for the minimum among NCAA statistics, Rob Lewis (63.8), Sabatino Chen (61.0), Chase Hallam (57.5), Tyler Thalken (54.5), Nate Rohnert (53.6) and Travis Hallam (50.0) all are shooting better than 50 percent from the floor. Rohnert also ranks third in the nation with 99 free throws made.

Percentage Game: Junior forward Rob Lewis has jumped into the Sun Belt lead in field goal percentage at 63.8 percent after missing the first four games of the season with an injury. Lewis has a career field goal percentage of 54.9 percent, which ranks seventh in DU history. Freshman guard Chase Hallam is fifth in the SBC at 57.5 percent, and Nate Rohnert is ninth (53.6 percent).

Chen Music: Since the beginning of December, sophomore guard Sabatino Chen has increased his scoring output from 0.8 points per game to 4.2, scoring at least 10 points four times - something Chen had never done before. Chen, who scored 11 points against UNO on Jan. 7, has also raised his field goal percentage to 61.0, and he has gone 14-for-18 (77.8 percent) from the free throw line this season.

CATS RETURNS TO DENVER JANUARY 13-17

DENVER – The show that revolutionized musical theatre is coming to Denver’s Buell Theatre for eight performances only January 13-17. Tickets are now on sale.

Produced by CATS-Eye, LLC, the national tour of CATS is the only production in North America sanctioned by Andrew Lloyd Webber. With original direction by Trevor Nunn and choreography by Gillian Lynne this is the CATS credited with the British invasion of Broadway. The national tour of CATS recently celebrated its 26th anniversary season, holding its place as the longest continuously touring Broadway musical in history.

On May 11, 1981, CATS opened at the New London Theatre in the West End. Eight years later it celebrated its first important milestone: after 3,358 performances CATS became the longest running musical in the history of British theatre. CATS played its final performance on its 21st birthday, May 11, 2002.

CATS opened on Broadway October 7, 1982 at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City and continued to live up to its motto "Now and Forever." On June 19, 1997, CATS became the longest running musical on Broadway. It ended its 18 year run on September 10, 2000.

Based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, and with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, CATS won seven 1983 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Lighting and Best Costumes.

In October of 1991 CATS became the longest continuously touring show in American theatre history. Five continents, 26 countries, over eight and a half million audience members and 26 years later, CATS is still America’s most loved family musical. Celebrating not only 26 years but the birth of the musical spectacular, CATS is still revolutionary and awe inspiring.

Now that it has been seen by millions of audience members worldwide, it is time to celebrate with the whole family the magic, the mystery, the wonder of CATS.

Single tickets for CATS start at just $15. To charge by phone, call Denver Center Ticket Services at 303.893.4100. TTY (for Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons): 303.893.9582. Groups of 15 or more, please call 303.446.4829. Tickets may also be purchased at the Denver Center Ticket Office, located at the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex Lobby, or at TicketsWest outlets, located in all King Soopers stores. Buy and print online at www.denvercenter.org.

CATS is an added attraction in the Denver Center Attractions 2010 season, which is generously supported by United Airlines. Media sponsorship for DCA is provided by The Denver Post, CBS4 and Denver Magazine. The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is supported in part by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District. Please visit our website at www.denvercenter.org.

Pioneers Prevail Over Privateers, 75-66

Nate Rohnert scored 27 points and dished out seven assists in DU’s victory

DENVER – University of Denver men’s basketball senior guard Nate Rohnert (Parker, Colo.) scored 27 points and dished out seven assists to lead the Pioneers to a 75-66 victory over the University of New Orleans Privateers on Thursday night at Magness Arena.

Rohnert was 8-of-10 from the field and 2-for-2 from three-point range, and added three steals. Sophomore guard Brian Stafford (Walnut Creek, Calif.) scored 15 points, while junior forward Rob Lewis (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and sophomore guard Sabatino Chen (Louisville, Colo.) added 11 points each.

“Nate Rohnert played really well tonight. He played like a senior, and Rob Lewis for the first time looked like he was back to playing the way we need him to with some energy,” head coach Joe Scott said. “We stopped them when we needed to. I thought our defense was good.”

Denver (11-5, 4-1 SBC) shot 60.5 percent off 23-for-38 from the field, while holding New Orleans (6-10, 1-4 SBC) to 47.7 percent (21-of-44).

DU trailed by three with 8:23 remaining in the first half, when the Pioneers went on an 11-0 run and took a 29-21 lead into halftime.

The Privateers clawed back within four points with 14:01 left in the game before Rohnert scored a layup and sophomore guard Travis Hallam (Mesquite, Texas) hit a three-pointer, and Denver maintained the lead to the buzzer. 

UNO was led by Carl Blair and Charles Carmouche, who both scored 16 points.

The Pioneers host two-time defending SBC champion Western Kentucky Sunday, Jan. 10 at 1 p.m.

Game #15: Denver (10-4, 3-0 SBC) vs. Troy (7-6, 2-0 SBC)

Saturday, January 2, 2010 • 6:30 p.m. MT

Trojan Arena (4,000) • Troy, Alabama

           TV: None • Radio: AM 950 • Web: www.DenverPioneers.com (Audio)

Pioneers Defeat Arkansas State, 64-55

Denver ends 2009 with third-straight conference victory

DENVER – The University of Denver closed out 2009 with a 64-55 victory over Sun Belt Conference foe Arkansas State at Magness Arena on Thursday afternoon.

The Pioneers (10-4, 3-0 SBC), who were up by as many as 16 in the second half, were led by senior Nate Rohnert (Parker, Colo.), who finished with 15 points and five rebounds. Sophomore Sabatino Chen (Louisville, Colo.) and freshman Chase Hallam (Mesquite, Texas) each contributed 12 points.

“I thought that we played solid basketball today,” said assistant coach Mike McKee, who was acting as head coach as Joe Scott served a one-game suspension for being ejected at Northern Colorado on Dec. 28, per SBC rules. “We have been able to develop our team depth this season, and I think that today’s victory was a reflection of that.”

Denver shot 54.2 percent (13-of-24) in the first half and scored the final eight points before the break, heading into the locker rooms with a 34-20 advantage.

The Pioneers led 61-49 with 40 seconds to play before two ASU three-pointers brought the Red Wolves to within seven points, but two free throws from sophomore Brian Stafford (Walnut Creek, Calif.) sealed the 64-55 Denver victory.

With its third-straight SBC victory, DU is off to its best start in conference play since the 2005-06 season when the Pioneers started off 3-0.

ASU’s Martavius Adams scored 17 points as the Red Wolves fell to 6-6 overall and 1-1 in the SBC.

The Pioneers will continue conference play as they travel to face Troy on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. MT.

- www.denverpioneers.com -

Afterthought Theater Company presents

“The Meeting” by Jeff Stetson

A fictional account of a debate between Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. 

Directed by Reynelda Snell

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day Afterthought Theater Company presents “The Meeting” by Jeff Stetson for one night only on Saturday, January 16 at Shadow Theatre, 1468 Dayton Street, Aurora, CO. 80010. Tickets are $35 and include a buffet dinner in the lobby beginning at 6:00 p.m. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and runs 1 hour 10 minutes without intermission. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 720-857-8000 or online at www.ticketannex.com.

If the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X had met for an hour or so, what would they have found to say to each other? “The Meeting” probes what would have happened if Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X had met before they were assassinated - just three years apart. This intriguing idea is portrayed as a dialog. A hotel room provides a compelling setting for these two prominent men of our recent history, who changed our nation and the world.

“Let us not forget these two national treasures, revisit their legacies and embrace their ideals as we march toward a brighter tomorrow.” President Barack Obama.

The cast includes Cris Davenport as Martin Luther King Jr. and Joseph Fuqua Jones as Malcolm X.; Russell Costen joins the cast as Rashad, bodyguard to Malcolm X.

Jeff Stetson is an internationally acclaimed award-winning playwright and screenwriter for film and television.

Stetson adapted “The Meeting” for PBS. and American Playhouse where it received an Emmy award and was called “the perfect play” by The Los Angeles Sentinel. He is currently writing a movie based on the play for Black Entertainment Television. “The Meeting” received a Louis B. Mayer Award, eight NAACP Theater Awards, and six New York AUDELCO nominations. It has been produced throughout Asia, Europe and the United States.

Afterthought Theater Company presents

“The Meeting”

What would have happened if Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X had met before they were assassinated?

Saturday, January 16

Shadow Theatre, 1468 Dayton Street, Aurora, CO. 80010

Dinner begins at 6:00pm / Show begins at 7:30pm

$35 including a buffet dinner

Call 720-857-8000 or online at ticketannex.com

Denver Falls 72-57 at UNC

Hooper scored 14 points and Stafford added 11

GREELEY, Colo. – The University of Denver men’s basketball team fell 72-57 to Northern Colorado on Monday night at Butler-Hancock Sports Pavilion.

Junior Andrew Hooper (Lakewood, Colo.) scored a team-high 14 points with a 4-for-6 performance from beyond the three-point line, while sophomore guard Brian Stafford (Walnut Creek, Calif.) had 11 points.

“I thought we showed great resiliency to make it a game,” head coach Joe Scott said. “It takes a certain level of experience to beat a good team on the road, and Northern Colorado is a good team. We need to keep working to improve.”

Denver (9-4, 2-0 SBC) led most of the first half, shooting 56.5 percent (13-for-23) from the field and 7-of-10 from three-point range, but the Bears (11-3) stormed back to finish the half on a 12-5 run and led 38-33 at the break.

The Bears built their lead to 10 points with 14:41 remaining, but a backdoor layup by junior forward Rob Lewis (Colorado Springs, Colo.), a three-pointer by Stafford and a layup by senior guard Nate Rohnert (Parker, Colo.) cut the deficit to 51-48 with 9:05 left in the game. UNC responded with eight-straight points.

UNC’s Devon Beitzel led all scorers with 19 points, and Will Figures added 15 points. Northern Colorado’s win marks their ninth-straight at home and gives the Bears their best start since 1966-67, when the team opened the season 17-2.

The Pioneers return to Magness Arena to face Sun Belt Conference foe Arkansas State on Thurs., Dec. 31 at 2 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN AM 1600.

- www.denverpioneers.com

Late Heroics Propel Denver to 84-83 Win Over Seattle

Hooper’s three-pointer with 1.8 seconds left lifts Pioneers; Rohnert sets new career high with 34 points

DENVER – Junior Andrew Hooper (Lakewood, Colo.) drained a three-pointer from the corner with 1.8 seconds left in the game to propel the University of Denver men’s basketball team to an 84-83 victory over Seattle on Tuesday night at Magness Arena.

“All I asked was for these guys to never give up, and it paid off,” head coach Joe Scott said. “I am proud of our ability to stick with the game. It’s a Merry Christmas for the Pioneers.”

The Pioneers (9-3, 2-0 SBC) trailed by two points with four seconds remaining after Seattle’s Peter Harris went 1-for-2 from the free throw line. Junior forward Rob Lewis (Colorado Springs, Colo.) inbounded the ball from the baseline to sophomore guard Sabatino Chen (Louisville, Colo.), who immediately tipped a pass to Hooper in the corner for the game-winning basket.

Denver, which trailed 64-48 with 11:58 left in the game, chipped away at the deficit, but Seattle (6-7) maintained a five-point lead with 59 seconds left.

Layups by Chen, Lewis and sophomore guard Brian Stafford (Walnut Creek, Calif.) in the final minute brought the Pioneers to within striking distance for the shot by Hooper, who was named Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week earlier in the day.

Rohnert finished the night with a career-high 34 points, which gave him 1,049 points in his career and moved him into 24^th on Denver’s all-time scoring list.

With their third straight victory, the Pioneers extend their home winning streak to eight games.

Next, the Pioneers travel to Greeley, Colo., to take on in-state foe Northern Colorado (10-3) on Mon., Dec. 28 at 7 p.m.

- www.denverpioneers.com -

Denver Routs Louisiana-Monroe, 87-65

Rohnert eclipses 1,000 career points as the Pioneers post the second-best scoring performance in team history

What a great game!

Yesterday Senior Nate Rohnert (Parker, Colo.) scored his 1,000^th career point and the Pioneers shot 70.5 percent from the field, as the University of Denver men’s basketball team routed Sun Belt Conference foe Louisiana-Monroe 87-65 on Saturday afternoon at Magness Arena.

The Pioneers (8-3, 2-0 SBC) were 31-for-44 from the field to record the second best field goal percentage in DU history and the best since hitting 76.2 percent against CU-Colorado Springs on Feb. 12, 1988.

For the second time this season, there were five Pioneers with double-digit point totals. Leading the way was junior forward Andrew Hooper (Lakewood, Colo.), who went 7-for-8 from the field and 5-for-5 from three-point range to rack up 19 points. Rohnert posted 16 points and eight assists, bringing his career point total to 1,015. Sophomore guard Brian Stafford (Walnut Creek, Calif.) scored 14 points, while junior forward Rob Lewis (Colorado Springs, Colo.) contributed 12 points and a team-high five rebounds. Freshman forward Chase Hallam (Mesquite, Texas) tallied 11 points and had two blocks and two steals.

“We were able to take care of the ball today. I was pleased with our defensive effort as well as our ability to make some good shots to stretch our lead,” head coach Joe Scott said. “It’s a long season and we have to make sure that we continue to get better in all aspects of our game, but it’s nice to have a 2-0 conference record right now.”

The Warhawks (3-8, 0-2 SBC) were led by Dynile Forbes and Tony Hooper, who scored 21 and 15 points, respectively.

Next, the Pioneers will host Seattle on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. MT, which will be aired live on FSN Rocky Mountain.

- www.DenverPioneers.com -

For more than 75 years, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie books have enthralled children with the stories of pioneer America. The beloved television series, starring Melissa Gilbert as Laura, made the Ingalls family part of our own.

Tonight I had the treat of watching this exciting performance with my daughter Regan, who remembered Little House on the Prarie from the TV show she and her sister watched when they were very small, and then later reading the Laura Ingalls Wilder books, made all the more interesting and meaningful because they went to Laura Ingalls Wilder elementary school in Littleton.

Tonight's performance captured the strong personalities that settled the frontier when Abe Lincoln's stimulus package, the Homestead Act, was signed into law, and settlers could claim their 160 acres, work it for 5 years, and then own the land free and clear. But it wasn't free, it was hard work with many set backs.

The cast is excellent and the choreography and songs are stirring. Melissa Gilbert who was Laura in the TV series is cast as Laura's mother, and Laura is played by the phenomenal Kara Lindsay.

Playing through December 27, don't miss it! Tickets start at $25
Groups (15+) submit a Group Request by using the button above or call 303.446.4829
Running time: 2 hrs 30 min with a 15 min intermission
More info and tickets at: http://denvercenter.org/shows-and-events/Shows/LittleHouse/Overview.aspx

Game #11: Denver (7-3, 1-0 SBC) vs. Louisiana-Monroe (3-7, 0-1 SBC)

Saturday, December 19, 2009 • 4 p.m. MT

Magness Arena (7,200) • Denver, Colo.

           TV: None • Radio: AM 950 • Web: www.DenverPioneers.com (Video and Audio)

For ticket information, please visit DenverPioneers.com or call the Pioneer Basketball Ticket Hotline at (303) 871-HOOP.

About Denver: The Pioneers enter Thursday’s game following a 59-53 victory over Florida International in Denver’s Sun Belt Conference opener. DU has won seven of the past nine games. Denver returns nine players, including all five starters, and 98 percent of its scoring and rebounding from last year. DU was picked second in the Sun Belt West Division in the annual coaches’ preseason poll, and senior captain and guard Nate Rohnert was named to the Preseason All-SBC First Team.  

About Louisiana-Monroe: The Warhawks have their last five games and are concluding a four-game road trip in Denver on Saturday. ULM fell 95-84 at Northern Colorado on Wednesday after dropping their first SBC game to North Texas on Dec. 13. ULM was predicted to finish fifth in the SBC West Division in the Preseason Coaches’ Poll. Fifth year head coach Orlando Early returns all five starters from last year’s squad, plus 2007-08 All-SBC third team selection Tony Hooper, who returns as a Preseason All-SBC third team member after missing most of last season with a broken foot. The Warhawks finished 10th in the Sun Belt last year, ending their season with a 66-57 loss to the Pioneers in the First Round of the Sun Belt Tournament at Magness Arena. Malcolm Thomas, who also was voted Preseason All-SBC third team, is not expected to suit up against Denver. Lawrence Gilbert leads the Warhawks with 12.5 points per game, just ahead of Hooper’s 12.0 points per game. Coming off the bench, Tommie Sykes leads ULM with 5.4 rebounds per game.

The Match-up: The Pioneers lead the all-time series 6-4 and have not lost to the Warhawks in any of their five meetings in Denver. DU swept three match ups with ULM last season.

Magness Magic: The Pioneers have won six-straight at home, following a season opening loss to Missouri Valley favorite Northern Iowa. Since Joe Scott took over as head coach prior to the 2007-08 season, the Pioneers are 26-7 (.788) at Magness Arena.

Shooting Stars: Denver is fourth in the nation with a 51.6 field goal percentage. Only No. 5 Syracuse (55.2 percent), No. 18 Ohio State (52.3) and No. 2 Texas (51.8) have a higher percentage from the floor. The Pioneers rank just ahead of St. Bonaventure (51.5), No. 1 Kansas (51.2) and No. 10 North Carolina (51.0). The Pioneers also moved up to eighth in the nation with a 42.9 three-point field goal percentage, following Thursday’s 11-for-22 performance from beyond the arc. Although no DU player qualifies for the minimum in either NCAA individual category, Tyler Thalken (66.7), Travis Hallam (66.7), Sabatino Chen (61.1), Chase Hallam (58.3), Rob Lewis (56.8), Nate Rohnert (53.8) and Andrew Hooper (50.0) all are shooting better than 50 percent from the floor.

More Shooting Stars: The Pioneers shot 50.0 percent from both the field (19-of-38) and three-point range (11-of-22) against FIU on Thursday. It marked the fifth time this year that DU had done so. The Pioneers were also 90.9 percent (10-of-11) from the free throw line, their first time performance above 90 percent since going a perfect 11-of-11 on Feb. 26, 2009 on the road against Louisiana-Monroe, DU’s opponent on Saturday.

O Captain! My Captain!: Nate Rohnert’s next point will be No. 1,000 in his career. The senior captain is seventh on DU’s all-time career list with 283 assists and sits 18 shy of sixth place. Rohnert also has 286 career free throw made, ninth on DU’s all-time list and eight shy of Dick Brott for seventh, and he is 10th with 403 free throw attempts. The Parker, Colo., native has career totals of 412 rebounds and 99 steals in 98 games at Denver.

Be the Three: Junior forward Andrew Hooper hit his 81st career three- pointer on Thursday, leaving him just one shy of 10th place on DU’s all-time list. However, teammates Brian Stafford and Kyle Lewis are right on Hooper’s heels with 78 and 75 career three-pointers, respectively.

Rocky Mountain Way: Eight of Denver’s 15 players hail from Colorado: Sabatino Chen (Louisville), Tom Chott (Littleton), Justin Coughlin (Yuma), Andrew Hooper (Lakewood), Kyle Lewis (Denver), Rob Lewis (Colorado Springs), Trevor Noonan (Broomfield) and Nate Rohnert (Parker).

Pioneers Take Conference Opener with 59-53 Win over FIU

Hooper scores 13 points as DU defeats Florida International

DENVER –The University of Denver men’s basketball team opened up Sun Belt Conference play with a 59-53 victory over Florida International on Thursday night at Magness Arena.

Junior forward Andrew Hooper (Lakewood, Colo.) went 5-for-8 from the field and 3-for-4 from behind the three-point arc to lead the Pioneers (7-3, 1-0 SBC) with 13 points. Sophomore guard Brian Stafford (Walnut Creek, Calif.) tacked on 11 points, while freshman forward Chase Hallam (Mesquite, Texas) added 10 points.

“Teams don’t just go away. You have to make them go away,” head coach Joe Scott said. “I am happy that we got our first conference win and that we continue to be successful at home.”

After DU built a 40-27 lead in the second half, Florida International (3-10, 0-1 SBC) went on a 17-5 run to pull within one point with 4:51 left in the game. A layup by Hooper and three pointers by Chase Hallam and sophomore guard Travis Hallam (Mesquite, Texas) put DU on top 53-46 with 48 seconds to play. The Pioneers sealed the victory with free throws from senior Nate Rohnert (Parker, Colo.), Stafford and Sabatino Chen (Louisville, Colo.).

The Pioneers were 10-for-11 from the free throw line, as they won their sixth-straight game in Magness Arena.

Antoine Watson scored a game-high 20 points for the Panthers, who fell to 3-10 on the season and 0-1 in the SBC.

The Pioneers continue conference play as they host Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday at 4 p.m.

Opens Tomorrow 

Little House on the Prairie The Musical

Dec 15-Dec 27, 2009

The Buell Theatre

For more than 75 years, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie books have enthralled children with the stories of pioneer America. The beloved television series, starring Melissa Gilbert as Laura, made the Ingalls family part of our own.

Now, this American classic is about to take on a brand new frontier, as the wonderfully inspiring experiences of this pioneer family come to life in Little House on the Prairie, The Musical.

Tickets start at $25
Groups (15+) submit a Group Request by using the button above or call 303.446.4829
Running time: 2 hrs 30 min with a 15 min intermission
More info and tickets at: http://denvercenter.org/shows-and-events/Shows/LittleHouse/Overview.aspx

Pioneers Fall to Pilots, 72-62

Rob Lewis had a season-high 16 points, but Portland prevailed

PORTLAND, Ore. – University of Denver men’s basketball junior forward Rob Lewis (Colorado Springs, Colo.) led all players with a season-high 16 points, but the Pioneers fell to the Portland Pilots 72-62 at Chiles Center on Saturday afternoon.

“We did a good job in the first half and took care of the ball,” head coach Joe Scott said. “In the second half, we didn’t take care of the ball. If you want to be successful on the road against a good team, and Portland is good, you can’t give them additional opportunities.”

The Pioneers led by two points with 15:59 left in the game, but the Pilots fought back with a 13-2 run over a five-minute stretch in the second half.

Sophomore Brian Stafford (Walnut Creek, Calif.) added 13 points and a team-high five rebounds, while freshman guard Chase Hallam (Mesquite, Texas) had 12 points and four steals.

Portland built a nine-point lead less than five minutes into the game, but Denver came back strong, culminating in a three-point play by Rob Lewis with one second to go before halftime, and the Pioneers led 35-33 at the break.

Both teams shot well in the first half, as Denver was 14-for-26 (53.8 percent) from the field, and Portland was 14-of-27 (51.9 percent).

Portland was led by Nik Raivio’s 12 points, while Kramer Knutson and T.J. Campbell had 11 each. Luke Sikma pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds.

The Pioneers return home to face Florida International in their first Sun Belt Conference game of the season at Magness Arena on Thurs., Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. MT.

Game #9: Denver (6-2) vs. Portland (5-3)

Saturday, December 12, 2009 • 2 p.m. MT

Chiles Center (4,852) • Portland, Ore.

           TV: None • Radio: AM 950 • Web: www.DenverPioneers.com (Audio only)

About Denver: The Pioneers enter Saturday’s game following an 89-82 victory over 2009 NCAA Tournament participant Cal State Northridge on Dec. 8, DU’s sixth win in the past seven games. Denver returns nine players, including all five starters, and 98 percent of its scoring and rebounding from last year. DU was picked second in the Sun Belt West Division in the annual coaches’ preseason poll, and senior captain and guard Nate Rohnert was named to the Preseason All-SBC First Team.  

About Portland: The Pilots jumped into the Top 25 on Nov. 30, the first time UP had been ranked in 50 years. However, Portland has dropped its last three games, including a 20-point loss at Idaho on Dec. 6. Among their five wins, the Pilots have knocked off No. 16 Minnesota and beat UCLA by 27 points on Thanksgiving night. Portland was predicted by various national publications to compete with Gonzaga for the West Coast Conference title this season, and it was picked second in the WCC Preseason Coaches’ Poll. Seniors Nik Raivio and T.J. Campbell both were named Preseason All-WCC, and they are leading the Pilots with 15.1 and 15.0 points per game, respectively. Portland returns all five starters and 12 of 13 letterwinners from last year’s team, which finished 19-13 overall and was third in the WCC.  The Pilots also welcome two newcomers to their squad.

The Match-up: Denver holds a 6-5 advantage in the all-time series, but the Pilots won the past three meetings. The Pioneers are 1-4 in Portland, the last of which was in 1997, when DU’s Adam McCanna set the Chiles Center record with eight blocked shots. 

Seeing Double: Five Pioneers scored in double digits in DU’s win over Cal State Northridge on Dec. 8, marking the first time Denver had five players with at least 10 points since Feb. 10, 2008.

Back to the 80s: Denver’s 89 points against Cal State Northridge on Dec. 8 were the most by a team coached by Joe Scott. In fact, entering this season Scott-led teams had scored 80 or more points only six times and just once since 2004 (80 - DU vs. Troy on Feb. 7, 2008). The Pioneers have done so three times in the first eight games this season: 80 vs. Wyoming (11/24), 83 at South Dakota State (11/28) and vs. CSU Northridge (12/8). Scott has never lost when his team scored 80 points.

For Starters: The Pioneers’ 6-2 record to open the season is the team’s best since starting 7-0 in 1996-97.

Shooting Stars: Denver shot 59.1 percent (26-of-44) from the field against Cal State Northridge on Dec. 8, after which the Pioneers moved into third in the nation with a 52.3 field goal percentage. Only Syracuse (55.7 percent) and Ohio State (52.5) had a higher percentage from the floor. The Pioneers are also ranked 12th in the nation with a 43.8 three-point field goal percentage. Although no DU player qualifies for the minimum in either individual category, Tyler Thalken (71.4), Travis Hallam (63.6), Chase Hallam (62.8), Sabatino Chen (61.1), Rob Lewis (55.0), Nate Rohnert (53.6) and Andrew Hooper (53.3 percent) all are shooting better than 50 percent from the floor.

O Captain! My Captain!: Nate Rohnert needs just 14 points to reach 1,000 in his career. The senior captain also is seventh on DU’s all-time career list with 284 and sits 17 assists shy of sixth place. Rohnert also has 284 career free throw made, ninth on DU’s all-time list and 10 shy of Dick Brott for seventh, and he is 10th with 400 free throw attempts. The Parker, Colo., native has career totals of 406 rebounds, 278 assists and 97 steals in 96 games at Denver.

Be the Three: Junior forward Andrew Hooper hit his 77th career three- pointer on Tuesday, leaving him just five shy of 10th place on DU’s all-time list. However, teammates Kyle Lewis and Brian Stafford are right on Hooper’s heels with 73 and 72 career three-pointers, respectively. Hooper, who went 5-for-7 from beyond the arc in the last two games, is shooting 52.9 percent (18-of-34) from three-point range this season, increasing his career total to 47.9 percent.

Denver Beats Cal State Northridge, 89-82

Five Pioneers score in double figures, as DU knocks off 2009 NCAA Tournament team

DENVER –Five University of Denver men’s basketball players scored in double digits to lift the Pioneers past Cal State Northridge 89-82 at Magness Arena on Tuesday night.

Senior captain Nate Rohnert (Parker, Colo.) led the Pioneers (6-2) with 17 points, while freshman guard Chase Hallam (Mesquite, Texas) went 6-8 from the field and 3-4 from three-point range to set a new career mark at 16 points. Junior forward Andrew Hooper (Lakewood, Colo.) went 2-for-3 from behind the arc to tally 12 points, while junior Rob Lewis (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and sophomore Brian Stafford (Walnut Creek, Calif.) each scored 11 points. Lewis also led DU with seven rebounds.

DU never trailed, holding the Matadors scoreless for the first 2:58 of the game while going on a 5-0 run. The Pioneers later went on a 15-6 run that helped them to build a 45-35 lead going into halftime.

The Pioneers built a 15-point lead shortly into the second half, but a 10-0 Matadors’ run closed the gap to five with 13:31 remaining.

Denver regained a double digit advantage, but three three-pointers and a three-point play brought the Matadors to within two points 3:36 left in the game.

A deep three-pointer and layup by sophomore guard Travis Hallam (Mesquite, Texas) put the Pioneers up 83-76 and DU carried the momentum for the rest of the game.

“Tonight was a great example of having to find a different way to win,” head coach Joe Scott said. “We didn’t shoot well from the free throw line, but we took care of the ball and brought home a decisive win against a team that was in the NCAA tournament last year. I am proud of our guys and the fact that we are 5-1 at home.”

The Pioneers have not lost at home since the first game of the season against Northern Iowa.

Willie Galick led the Matadors (4-5) with 20 points, and Lenny Daniel had a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.

Next, the Pioneers hit the road to take on Portland on Saturday at 2 p.m. MT, before returning home to face Florida International in their first Sun Belt Conference game of the season on Dec. 17.

Game #8: Denver (5-2) vs. Cal State Northridge (4-4)

Tuesday, December 8, 2009 • 7 p.m. MT

Magness Arena (7,200) • Denver, Colo.

           TV: None • Radio: AM 950 • Web: www.DenverPioneers.com (Video & Audio)

Ticket Info: Men's basketball season tickets for the 2009-10 Denver Pioneers are currently on sale. DU continues its commitment to provide the community with the most affordable and exciting entertainment in the Denver metro area. Ticket packages start at $64.
Individual game tickets also are on sale with prices ranging from $9-$15 for adults. DU students get into the game free with their Pioneer Card.
For ticket information, please visit DenverPioneers.com or call the Pioneer Basketball Ticket Hotline at (303) 871-HOOP.

About Denver: The Pioneers enter Tuesday’s game following a 64-59 defeat at Colorado State on Dec. 5, which snapped DU’s five-game winning streak. Denver returns nine players, including all five starters, and 98 percent of its scoring and rebounding from last year. DU was picked second in the Sun Belt West Division in the annual coaches’ preseason poll, and senior captain and guard Nate Rohnert was named to the Preseason All-SBC First Team.  

About Cal State Northridge: The Matadors are 4-4 this season, winning three-straight games before falling 88-76 to No. 10 Washington on Sunday. However, CSUN is 0-3 on the road this season. The Matadors return three starters and nine letterwinners from last year’s team, which won the Big West Conference Tournament and nearly knocked off No. 2-seeded Memphis in the 2009 NCAA Tournament First Round. CSU Northridge was picked third in the Big West preseason poll. Kenny Daniels leads CSUN in scoring at 18.1 points per game, while Lenny Daniel is averaging 10.0 points and a team-high 6.6 rebounds per game. The Matadors are first in the Big West in scoring offense (76.1 ppg), but last in scoring defense (80.8 ppg against), and are second in blocked shots at 3.1 per game.

The Match-up: Cal State Northridge beat Denver 80-53 last season in the first-ever meeting between the teams.

Magness Magic: The Pioneers have won four-straight at home, following a season opening loss to Missouri Valley favorite Northern Iowa. Since Joe Scott took over as head coach prior to the 2007-08 season, the Pioneers are 25-7 (.781) at Magness Arena.

Be the Three: Junior forward Andrew Hooper hit his 75th career three-pointer on Saturday, leaving him just seven shy of 10th place on DU’s all-time list. However, teammates Kyle Lewis and Brian Stafford are right on Hooper's heels with 72 and 71 career three-pointers, respectively. Hooper, who went 3-for-4 from beyond the arc against Colorado State, is shooting 51.6 percent (16-of-31) from three-point range this season, increasing his career total to 47.6 percent.

Shooting Stars: According to the Dec. 6 NCAA national ranking summary, Denver has the fifth ranked field goal percentage in the nation. Only Syracuse (55.7 percent), Ohio State (52.4) and Murray State (52.1) have a higher percentage from the floor than DU’s 51.3 percent. The Pioneers are also ranked 17th in the nation with a 42.2 three-point field goal percentage. Although no DU player qualifies for the minimum in either individual category, Tyler Thalken (71.4), Sabatino Chen (61.5), Chase Hallam (60.0), Rob Lewis (56.3), Travis Hallam (55.6), Andrew Hooper (51.8 percent) and Nate Rohnert (51.6) all are shooting better than 50 percent from the floor.

O Captain! My Captain!: Senior captain Nate Rohnert earned Sun Belt Player of the Week honors last week after combining for 45 points in DU wins against Wyoming and South Dakota State. Rohnert’s 32 points against the Cowboys were the most by a Denver player since Yemi Nicholson scored 33 against Northern Colorado on Jan. 11, 2006. Rohnert has 40 assists, while committing just 10 turnovers this season, giving him a 4.0 assist-to-turnover ratio, ninth among NCAA Division I players and the top ratio in the SBC.

Milestone Watch: Nate Rohnert is seventh on DU’s all-time career list with 274 and sits 27 assists shy of sixth place. Rohnert also has 277 career free throw made, one shy of Alex Sund for ninth on DU’s all-time list, and he is 10th with 390 free throw attempts. The senior captain has career totals of 969 points, 403 rebounds, 274 assists and 97 steals in 95 games at Denver.

Rocky Mountain Way: Eight of Denver’s 15 players hail from Colorado: Sabatino Chen (Louisville), Tom Chott (Littleton), Justin Coughlin (Yuma), Andrew Hooper (Lakewood), Kyle Lewis (Denver), Rob Lewis (Colorado Springs), Trevor Noonan (Broomfield) and Nate Rohnert (Parker).

Scott Signs Dallas Prep: High school senior Chris Udofia signed a National Letters of Intent on Nov. 11 to play for Denver beginning next season. Udofia, a 6-foot-6 forward, earned First Team All-District and District Defensive Player of the Year with Jesuit Prep High School in Dallas, Texas.

Transfer of Power: Sophomore forward Trevor Noonan joined the Pioneers this season after transferring from Air Force. Due to NCAA rules, Noonan will not be eligible to play until next season.