Denver secured a decisive 90-70 victory over South Dakota in a Summit League men’s basketball game held Thursday evening at Hamilton Gymnasium. The Pioneers were led by a stellar performance from Carson Johnson, who scored 32 points, propelling Denver to their seventh conference win of the season. The game, attended by 1,172 fans, saw Denver improve to 14-15 overall and 7-7 in Summit League play.
Johnson’s impressive offensive showing included shooting 11 of 21 from the field, connecting on 5 of 7 three-point attempts, and going a perfect 5 for 6 from the free-throw line. His performance was crucial in overcoming a strong effort from South Dakota’s Cameron Fens, who recorded a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. The win for Denver comes as they continue to navigate a competitive Summit League landscape, currently sitting at 7-7 in conference standings.
Game Highlights and Key Performances
Beyond Johnson’s standout performance, Logan Kinsey contributed 16 points, along with five rebounds and three steals for the Pioneers. Josh Lee added 10 points, remarkably achieving a perfect 10-for-10 shooting record from the free-throw line, and also tallied three steals. For South Dakota, Vince Buzelis added 19 points to support Fens’ efforts, even as Jordan Crawford finished with 12 points. The Coyotes fall to 14-14 overall and 6-7 in the Summit League.
The game was officiated by Verne Harris, Amy Bonner, and Tim Stewart. Hamilton Gymnasium, home to the Denver Pioneers men’s and women’s basketball programs, provided the setting for this Summit League contest. Hamilton Gymnasium features 2,500 retractable seats and the ability to accommodate multiple courts.
Summit League Standings
As of February 20, 2026, the Summit League standings show North Dakota State leading the conference with a 22-6 overall record and a 12-1 conference record. St. Thomas-Minnesota follows closely at 21-7 with a 10-3 conference record, and North Dakota is third at 16-14 with a 10-4 record. Omaha holds a record of 15-14 and 8-6 in conference play. South Dakota State is 12-16 with a 5-8 record, while Oral Roberts and Kansas City round out the standings with records of 16-22 and 14-23 respectively. A full view of the standings can be found in the game recap from ESPN.
The Pioneers’ victory is a significant boost as they aim to climb the Summit League standings. Their ability to capitalize on free-throw opportunities, as demonstrated by Lee’s perfect performance, and Johnson’s consistent scoring will be key factors in their remaining games. South Dakota, despite a strong showing from Fens and Buzelis, will need to find more consistent offensive production to improve their position in the league.
Looking ahead, both Denver and South Dakota will continue their Summit League schedules with upcoming matchups. The Pioneers will glance to build on this momentum, while the Coyotes will aim to rebound and secure a stronger position in the conference tournament race. The Summit League season is heating up, with several teams vying for position as the tournament approaches.
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