DENVER -- Payten Ricks had a career-high 23 points and Jaren Lewis added 19 as Abilene Christian remained undefeated, beating Denver 67-61 on Thursday night.

Ricks nailed 5 of 8 from distance, making 7 of 11 from the floor. The Wildcats won it from the free-throw line, making 13 of 16 while Denver was just 2 of 11. ACU made one more from distance, but the Pioneers were 25 of 51 from the floor while the Wildcats were 22 of 49.

Abilene Christian (3-0) is off to its best start since moving to Division I in the 2013-14 season.

Denver took an early lead before the Wildcats scored eight unanswered points to close out the half and lead 30-21. The Pioneers closed to 60-58 after Ade Murkey hit a jumper with 2:05 remaining but Lewis responded with a layup and Ricks made two free throws. Lewis added four more free throws in the final seconds to seal the win.

Joe Rosga nailed four treys for 12 points to lead Denver (1-2).