Dec. 14, 2007

OREM, Utah - Utah Valley will play its first of two consecutive games against in-state foes as the Wolverines travel to Cedar City to take on Southern Utah Saturday evening. Tip off is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

"We know we will be in for a tough, physical game," Utah Valley head coach Dick Hunsaker said. "Coach (Roger) Reid is just starting to get a blend of his Snow (College) players, new recruits and returning Southern Utah players on the floor working together. (Geoff) Payne is a great success story. He is arguably the finest player in the state of Utah."

Payne leads the way for the Thunderbirds averaging 21.6 points per game while Ryan Toolson leads a pair of Utah Valley players averaging double figures. Toolson averages 20.4 points per game for the Wolverines.

Utah Valley is coming off an 87-77 defeat at the hands of Boise State. The Broncos also beat Southern Utah on its home floor, 75-73, on Nov. 24.

The game will be broadcast live on AM 1400 KSTAR with Steve Watts calling the play-by-play action and David Heck offering game analysis. The game wil also be televised to a local audience on KCSG. Direct TV and Dish Network customers can check their local listings as the game will be available in many markets via satellite.

After SUU, the Wolverines will return to action next week when they take on Utah State Thursday in Logan.