EDINBURG, Texas-Donte Williams scored a career-high 23 points and Zach Nelson added 20 to lead the Utah Valley University men's basketball team to a 72-54 WAC road win over Texas-Pan American Thursday night at the UTPA Fieldhouse.
 
With the win, Utah Valley improves to 7-10 overall and 2-1 in WAC play. UTPA falls to 7-13 overall and 1-3 in league play.
 
"Collectively, it was a very good overall team victory for us," said Utah Valley head coach Dick Hunsaker. "I'm happy for our players. They work very hard and it's nice to see their efforts rewarded tonight. UTPA has been on a very tough stretch of their schedule. They are a team that will improve as the WAC season continues."
 
Bruneel knocked down a long jumper just before the halftime buzzer to give the Wolverines a 39-20 lead at the break. Bruneel's shot rounded off a 15-7 run over the final eight minutes of the first half for the Wolverines. Utah Valley maintained its lead throughout the second half to secure the victory.
 
Williams scored his career-high 23 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the field, including a perfect 4-of-4 mark from long range. He also knocked down 5-of-6 free throws. Williams also tallied four rebounds, one assist and a block in the win. Nelson recorded his 20 points on 9-of-15 shooting from the field. He also pulled down a game-high eight rebounds with two assists and a block.
 
Jaden Jackson scored nine points and Brenden Evans helped with eight. Mitch Bruneel added six points, Boston Gubler scored four and Marcel Davis rounded out the scoring with two. Janari Joesaar led UTPA with a game-high 29 points.
 
As a team, Utah Valley shot an impressive 56.3 percent from the field, including a 66.7 percent clip in the second half. The Wolverines held UTPA to a 34.7 percent clip from the field. UVU out-rebounded UTPA 20-13 and forced the Broncs into 13 turnovers.
 
Utah Valley continues road play at New Mexico State on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. (MT). The game will be broadcast live on the American Sports Network.