Feb. 1, 2007

Box Score

Orem, UT- Ryan Toolson scored a career high 28 points on eight of 10 shooting from the field to lead Utah Valley State to an 86-55 victory over New Jersey Institute of Technology on Thursday. The win ups the Wolverines record to 14-7 while New Jersey Institute dropped to 3-17.

The Wolverines shot 49 percent from the field and had 21 assists to only eight turnovers. NJIT shot 41 percent from the field. Utah Valley's defense forced the Highlanders into 23 turnovers. New Jersey did out rebound UV 35-27.

Along with Toolson's 28 points David Heck added 13 and a career high eight assists.

The Highlanders kept the game close early leading 13-12 with 11:15 left in the first half. In the first nine minutes of the game the score was tied three times and the lead changed hands nine times.

The Wolverines took the lead for good at 15-13 on a 3-pointer by Toolson with 10:26 left until halftime.

"They were more physical, athletic and stronger," Utah Valley State coach Dick Hunsaker said on New Jersey Institute of Technology. "They came out energized and really caused us problems."

Over the next five minutes Toolson nailed four more treys to give Utah Valley a 35-20 lead with 5:20 left. Toolson scored 22 first half points and went six of seven from the 3-point line.

"Toolson is a special player," Hunsaker said. "He has a gift. To be frank I don't blink and eye with what he can do. I was happy that he got on track. He had a sensational first half."

The Wolverines led 50-27 at halftime and shot 61 percent from the floor. Heck also had 11 of his 13 points in the first half.

Utah Valley led by as many as 33 points in the second half at 75-42 following two Heck free throws with 9:15 to play.

The Wolverines return to action on Saturday at 7 p.m. when they host IPFW at the McKay Center. All students get in free with their student ID. IPFW is 7-14 and will be in the Mid-Continent Conference next year.