Dec. 21, 2007

Box Score

LOGAN, Utah - In a hard-fought battle, Utah Valley came from behind to defeat Furman, 71-66 in the consolation game of the Gossner Foods classic hosted by Utah State.

The Wolverines were led by Ryan Toolson, who scored a game-high 26 points. Jordan Brady also scored in double-figures with 14 on the game. Furman was led by Justin Dehm's 22 points. Toolson moved into second place in career scoring with 1,102 points, passing David Heck's 1,078.

With Utah Valley leading 7-3 early on, the Paladins went on an 11-2 run behind three three-pointers. Furman took a 14-9 lead with 13:05 remaining in the half. The Paladins kept the run going, extending their lead to 23-11 with 7:20 remaining.

The Wolverines countered with a 9-0 run of their own behind five points from Brady. After the Wolverines cut the deficit to three at 26-23 with a Toolson jumper in the paint with 2:45 left in the period, Furman scored the final four points to take a 30-23 lead to the break.

UV got off to a quick start in the second half when Brady and Kevin Woods both converted three-point plays. Furman responded with five straight to maintain a six-point advantage. Behind 39-31, Toolson hit back-to-back three pointers to cut the Furman lead to two with 11:26 left in the game.

After the teams traded baskets Toolson found the net on another three to give the Wolverines a 42-41 lead, their first advantage since early in the game. UV extended the lead on a pair of dunks by Richard Troyer and Brady to build a 48-43 lead. The Paladins wouldn't lead again.

The Wolverines will have a week off before returning to action on Dec. 28. UV will host Cal State Northridge in Orem at 7:05 p.m. next week.