Jan. 22, 2008

Box Score

OREM, Utah - Utah Valley cruised to a convincing victory over fellow independent, North Carolina Central, with a 68-52 final to start a short home stint for the Wolverines.

Utah Valley's Ryan Toolson led the way, putting up 24 points off of 9-for-16 shooting. Jordan Brady added 14 while leading UV with nine rebounds and five assists and Josh Olsen scored 11. The Eagles were led by Philip Branch who ended with 15 points while shooting 50 percent from behind the three point line. He was closely followed by Charles Futrell 14 and Bryan Ayala who wrapped things up with 10.

While capitalizing on early turnovers by the visiting Eagles, Utah Valley jumped out to a 23-2 lead with 11:00 still remaining in the first half. The first 10 minutes were controlled by Utah Valley shooters. Toolson started with nine early points, while Josh Olson added a quick six.

"We got out to a great start," Utah Valley head coach Dick Hunsaker said. "We did a good job coming out with a lot of energy. I was pleased with how we fought early on. North Carolina Central is an athletic group. They are well-structured and well-coached."

The Eagles were able to go on an 8-0 run before Utah Valley Hunsaker called a time out to stop the NCCU momentum.

A three-pointer by Eagles guard Philip Branch with 3:00 to go in the half brought NCCU to within 12. The Wolverines felt the picked up the defensive intensity and turned it on on the offensive end to push UV's lead to 18 before the Eagles hit a three late in the half.

The half ended with the score 36-21 in favor of Utah Valley. Both Brady and Toolson ended the half with 12 points for the Wolverines. Branch led the way for the Eagles with 12 points while going three for five from behind the three point line.

UV picked up right where it left off starting on a 9-1 run in the first four and a half minutes of the second half. Out of a time-out, NCCU Head Coach Henry Dickerson incorporated a full court press that helped the Eagles chip away at the lead. The Wolverines responded, pushing their lead to 20 at 50-30 with 11 minutes remaining.

With nine minutes remaining, the Wolverines extended their lead to 28, the biggest of the game, on a two-handed dunk by Wolverine big-man Jordan Brady.

Late in the second half the Eagles showed life with energy coming from three pointers, steals, and fast break points. It proved to be too little too late as the Wolverines claimed the convincing win.

With an impressive win in their first home game back in three weeks, the Wolverines will look to continue their win streak as they welcome Johnson and Wales on Saturday afternoon at 2:05 p.m.