Nov. 10, 2006

Box Score

Orem, UT- The Utah Valley State men's basketball team opened the 2006-07 season in impressive fashion by beating Montana State of the Big Sky Conference 69-37 on Friday in front of a crowd of 3,102 at the McKay Center.

"This was a tough opener for Montana State to come on the road," Utah Valley State coach Dick Hunsaker said. "They have a new philosophy, new players and their roles are changing. I was pleased with our energy and tenacity. We played selflessly on the offensive and defensive end. We had a great crowd and this was a great way to open the season."

Jordan Brady led the Wolverines with 14 points and seven rebounds in 24 minutes of action. Ryan Toolson had 11 points while Chris Bailey had 10 points, five assists, two blocks, two steals and no turnovers. David Heck also had a solid game, scoring nine points and grabbing a team-high eight rebounds.

Utah Valley shot 42 percent from the field and held Montana State to 25 percent shooting and 22 turnovers. Peter Brown had three of the Wolverines 10 steals.

"We knew we would have to come out with a lot of energy," Brady said. "We played physical, executed our game plan and got the job done."

The Wolverines never trailed in the game and jumped out to an early 9-0 lead five minutes into the game thanks to buckets by Brady, Brown, Bailey and Brett Ravenberg.

UV extended its lead to 20-4 with 11:11 to play in the game following a 3-pointer by Toolson. The Wolverines biggest lead was 16 at three different times in the first half.

Utah Valley extended its lead in the second half by jumping out to a 48-25 lead six minutes in. The 32 point win was the Wolverines biggest lead of the game.

Utah Valley returns to action on Monday at 7:05 p.m. when they host another Big Sky opponent in the Montana Grizzlies. Montana won the Big Sky last year and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament.