Olson scores 15 in Denver's 61-57 win over Ohio in NIT first-round game

DENVER – Brett Olson scored 15 points and his defensive pressure helped turn aside a potential go-ahead layup with 21 seconds remaining as Denver hung on to beat Ohio 61-57 Tuesday night in an NIT first-round game.

With Denver (22-9) leading 58-57, Olson shadowed D.J. Cooper on his drive to the basket and got a hand in his face as he put the shot up from up close. Teammate Chris Udofia, who finished 14 points, came over at the last moment to block Cooper's layup attempt.

Chase Hallam made two of four free throws in the final 1:17 — his only points of the game, including a free throw with 19 seconds left to put Denver up by two. Reggie Keely's layup try with seven seconds left was off the mark, starting a fastbreak that Royce O'Neale finished with a dunk just before the buzzer sounded.

Cooper finished with 16 points to lead Ohio (24-10).