DENVER, Colo. – Senior Akilah Sims had scored 11 points through the game's first 39 minutes. She needed 12 to join the 1,000-Point Club. With the game sealed, Sims checked back in in the final minute, drew a foul and sunk a free throw to join a unique group of IUPUI women's basketball players. 

"We are really happy for Akilah getting her 1,000th point," Head Coach Austin Parkinson said. "She has had a special career and will finish as one of the all-time wins leaders at the end of the year." 

The Jags (18-7, 9-3) defeated Denver (4-22, 2-11) 67-54 in Denver on Sunday afternoon (Feb. 14). Donning the pink jerseys, the Jags won their fifth straight game behind junior Mikale Rogers' sixth double-double of the season (19 points, 10 rebounds). Sims added 12 points and six rebounds while sophomore Jenna Gunn contributed 11 points and five boards as well. 

Shaquira Scott added eight points and Kelsi Byrd chipped in seven while sophomore Danielle Lawrence was held in check with just four points for the first time since 2015. 

The Jags jumped out to an early lead and never surrendered it. IUPUI led 16-7 late in the first quarter and the Pioneers never brought the game closer than eight the rest of the way. 

IUPUI shot an even 50 percent from the floor (20-for-40) including an efficient night from the leading scorers as Rogers and Sims combined for a 10-for-15 shooting night. Free throws were a big factor again for the Jags as they reached the line 34 times and made 26 attempts (76.5 percent). 

The Jags hit just one 3-pointer for the second consecutive game but they outrebounded their opponent for the fifth time in the last five games while defending at a high level.

"I'm really proud of our kids coming on the road and winning two games this week," Parkinson said. "This is a really connected and unselfish group that really pushes one another. It was great to see us defend with intensity today." 

IUPUI looks to win their sixth straight and complete a three-game road trip with Omaha on Thursday (Feb. 18).