DENVER (Interstat) — Saint Thomas (Minn.) built a large early lead and survived a second-half surge to defeat Denver 60-56 in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Saturday at Magness Arena.

The Tommies led 23-6 after the first quarter and held a 41-31 halftime advantage. The Pioneers dominated the third quarter, outscoring Saint Thomas 25-18, to close within four points but could not complete the comeback. Jada Hood led Saint Thomas with 14 points. Denver’s Jocelyn Medina also scored 13 points.

Saint Thomas improved to 11-12 overall. Denver fell to 9-15.