March 2, 2007
Orem, UT- The Utah Valley State men's basketball team concludes its 2006-07 season on Saturday when they play host to the Texas-Pan American Broncs on Senior Night. Tip off is set for 7 p.m. and the game can be heard live on 1400 KSTAR.
This is the final game for seniors David Heck, Matt Peterson, Chris Bailey and Peter Brown. All four players have been instrumental in Utah Valley's success at the Division I level.
"It's a special game for David Heck, Matt Peterson, Chris Bailey and Peter Brown," Utah Valley State coach Dick Hunsaker said. "They have been our first group of seniors who only competed in four year basketball at Utah Valley State."
Utah Valley (21-7) is riding an eight game win-streak after winning two road games last week at IPFW and New Jersey Institute of Technology. The two wins clinched at least a share of the United Basketball League championship. The Wolverines can win the league out right with a victory over Texas-Pan American.
Utah Valley is 5-0 against UTPA after ending their 10-game home win streak on February 10, 81-76.
Ryan Toolson leads the Wolverines in scoring at 15.1 points a game. He is shooting 49 percent from the field and 44 percent from the 3-point line. Heck is second in scoring at 12.8 points a contest. Jordan Brady is the teams' top rebounder, averaging 5.4 a night.
Utah Valley continues to receive votes in the Mid-Major Top 25 poll as they are ranked 33rd for the third consecutive week. The Wolverines also boast a 133 RPI, which is better than any school in the Big Sky Conference.
Texas-Pan American comes into Saturday's game with a 14-14 record and a 4-5 mark in UBL play. Brian Burrell leads UTPA in scoring at 15.8 points a game. He is also second on the team in rebounding at 5.1 a game. Colin Lien is netting 11.8 points and grabbing a team-best 6.3 rebounds a game. As a team, the Broncs are shooting 46 percent from the field and averaging 68.8 points a game.
"We are excited about the Pan American game," Hunsaker said. "We are playing for a league championship and the Broncs are playing for a winning season. We know they will bring their best game with a lot of emotion and energy. We are fortunate to have beaten them at their place."
