Stafford helps Denver top Corpus Christi 65-58

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP)—Brian Stafford scored 25 points and Denver used a late 15-2 run to pull away from Texas A&M-Corpus Christie 65-58 on Monday.

Stafford, who had 32 points in the Pioneers’ season-opening victory over Portland State, was 9 of 15 from the field—including 3 of 8 on 3-point attempts—while making all four of his free-throw attempts.

Chris Udofia added 12 points and six blocks for Denver (2-0).

Myron Dempsey had 17 points for Corpus Christi (0-2). The Islanders also got 12 from Johnathan Jordan, 11 from Terence Jones and 10 from Chris Hawkins-Mast.

Denver was ahead 42-41 with 12:49 left before going on a 15-2 run. Corpus Christi scored the next 10 points—with eight coming from Jordan—to pull within 57-53 with 1:02 remaining, but the Pioneers hit six straight free throws down the stretch to secure the win.