Feb. 15, 2007

Box Score

Orem, UT- Thanks to a clutch 3-pointer by Ryan Toolson and a key block shot by David Heck with under a minute to play in the game, the Utah Valley State Wolverines picked up a hard fought 66-64 win over North Dakota State on Thursday at the McKay Center.

The win ups Utah Valley's record to 18-7 and moves them into first place in the United Basketball League with a 5-1 mark. The Wolverines last loss was a 61-53 defeat to North Dakota State in Fargo on Jan. 27. Utah Valley State has since won five straight games, its longest win streak of the season.

North Dakota State dropped to 15-8 and 4-2 in UBL play. The victory was also Utah Valley coach Dick Hunsaker's 100th win at the school.

"It was a terrific, hard fought game on both ends of the court," Hunsaker said.

Ryan Toolson led UV in scoring with 20 points while David Heck chipped in 12. Jordan Brady had a game-high 12 rebounds. As a team Utah Valley shot 47 percent from the field.

North Dakota State shot 42 percent and was led by the play of Ben Woodside's 24 points. Brett Winkelman had 17 and seven rebounds. Andre Smith had 11 points and 10 rebounds and Mike Nelson added 10.

"That is a fine team," Hunsaker said. "Woodside is one of the better guards in America. He is a change of pace player. He goes left and right. He has a jump shot, a middle game and he is strong. He is really a tough match up. We really spent a lot of effort and energy trying to contain Smith and he had 11 and 10 on us."

The game was tied six times and had seven lead changes.

No lead change was bigger than when the Wolverines grabbed the lead for good in the final minute.

With the score tied at 61, after Smith free throw, Toolson sank 3-pointer with 55 seconds left in the game to give UV a 64-61 lead.

"Ryan Toolson was Ryan Toolson," Hunsaker said. "I thought we executed well and we were able to get him a good look. He is a guy who enjoys and embraces those moments."

On the ensuing North Dakota State possession, Nelson attempted a 3-pointer but had his shot blocked by Heck. Heck came down with the ball with Nelson to force a jump ball call, giving the ball back to Utah Valley.

"We had some great efforts down the stretch, particularly by David Heck," Hunsaker said.

Toolson then sank two free throws with 30 seconds left to give the Wolverines a 66-61 lead.

Another player who was instrumental in the Wolverines victory, especially over the final three minutes of the game was Chris Bailey. Utah Valley trailed 60-58 when he converted on a three-point play with 1:49 to play to regain the lead at 61-60. Bailey assisted a Toolson 3-pointer prior to his three-point play. Hunsaker also praised his point guards defense during the final minutes of the game.

"We had some fine defensive plays in the final two or three minutes by Chris Bailey," Hunsaker said.

Utah Valley led 41-30 at halftime and by as many as 13 at 45-32 at the 17:10 mark of the second half.

The Wolverines took the 11-point halftime lead thanks to a 22-4 run over the final eight minutes of the first half.

Utah Valley returns to action on Saturday when it plays host to South Dakota State at 7 p.m. in the McKay Center. All students get in free with ID.