OREM, Utah—Marcel Davis scored a game-high 20 points with a career-high 11 rebounds for his first career double-double to lead the Utah Valley University men's basketball team to an 88-79 win over San Diego Christian Saturday night at the UCCU Center.
 
The win snaps a three-game skid for the Wolverines, who improve to 6-9 on the season. San Diego Christian remains at 7-5 on the year as the game counts as an exhibition contest for the NAIA squad.
 
"San Diego Christian fought really hard tonight," said Utah Valley head coach Mark Pope. They were undersized and undermanned.  They played really well and had one of their best shooting nights of the season. We had some guys that really stepped up for us tonight. Marcel is on an unbelievable run and he's been playing really well for the last month now. He's doing everything for us while carrying a huge load. For us to remain competitive, we need him to take his game to another level and I expect he will continue to do that."
 
Darrious Hamilton's layup with 5:57 remaining in the first period gave Utah Valley its first lead, 27-26, since opening the game with a 2-0 advantage. Hamilton's bucket was part of a 20-7 UVU run over the final 7:40 of the first period as the Wolverines took a 41-33 lead into halftime.
 
The Wolverines out-scored the Hawks 25-15 midway through the second period to take a 68-48 lead with 10 minutes to play. UVU held on to the lead throughout the remainder of the game to secure an 88-79 win.  
 
Davis' 20-point, 11-rebound effort marks the first double-double of his career. The senior guard connected on 7-of-12 shots from the field, including a shot from long range. He also knocked down 5-of-7 free throws and recorded four assists and three steals.
 
Jaden Jackson helped with 19 points, connecting on 8-of-16 shots from the floor, including a shot from beyond the arc. Jackson also tallied four rebounds and dished out a pair of assists.
 
Darrious Hamilton and Hayden Schenck each scored 12 points, while Konner Frey was also in double figures with 10 points.
 
Utah Valley shot 47.7 percent from the floor compared to San Diego Christian's 47 percent clip. The Wolverines out-rebounded SDC 39-32.
 
Daniel Nielsen led the three other Hawks in double figures with a team-high 19 points.
 
Utah Valley will continue play at home on Thursday against league foe New Mexico State in the Wolverines' WAC opener. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on the American Sports Network.