Jan. 26, 2008

Box Score

OREM, Utah - A strong defensive second half effort for Utah Valley (9-13) helped solidify victory over NAIA's Johnson and Wales (5-15), 81-58.

After shooting 50 percent from the field in the first half, The Wolverines held the Wildcats to 19 percent in the second half. Pressure defense also proved to stop JWU's hot hand from behind the three-point line, shooting 12.5 percent in the second half.

Richard Troyer had strong effort on both sides of the court as he led the Wolverines with 17 points while pulling down four rebounds. Ryan Toolson followed closely with 16 and six assists. Jordan Brady (15) and Josh Olsen (10) also scored in double figures. Jordan Swarbrick came off the bench to lead UV with eight rebounds while scoring nine.

"I thought Johnson and Wales came out comfortable and played with a lot of energy in the first half," UV head coach Dick Hunsaker said. "Our defensive effort was collective in the second half."

The game was even at 7-7 in the first four and a half minutes of the game until the Wolverines went on a 9-2 run. While on the run, UV played solid defense, and ran a well balanced offense to gain the lead. The big lead was short lived as Wildcats guard, Ronald Jenkins hit a three-pointer to bring Johnson and Wales within three.

The Wildcats showed fire as they gained ground on the Wolverines and pulled within one with five minutes remaining in the half. They stayed within one until UV big-man Richard Troyer hit a three-pointer with a minute remaining. Josh Olson added to the Wolverines slight lead by hitting two free throws to extend the lead to six. The half ended with the Wolverines leading 41-38.

The half was led by The Wildcats Sasha Pete who had 12 points and 3 rebounds. Ronald Jenkins added an impressive 12 points in only 11 minutes. JWU's bench added almost half their points at the half with 16.

UV scorers in the first half were well balanced with five scorers with six or more. Ryan Toolson led the way with nine points and four rebounds.

Wildcats guard MJ Crespin hit a three pointer as the half opened to tie the game. The Wolverines felt the heat and came back with a 10-0 run to give UV a nine point lead with 15:00 minutes left to play in the game.

UV never looked back, as they continued to extend their. The lead hit 25, the biggest of the game, when The Wolverines turned up the defensive pressure and forced the Wildcats to take long jump shots.

The Wildcats of Johnson and Wales were led by Freshman Sasha Pate who had 16 points and four rebounds. He was followed by Ronnie Jenkins with 14.

Utah Valley will play its final game of a three-game home stand when the Wolverines welcome Arkansas State to the McKay Center at 7 p.m.