OREM—Jamison Overton scored 18 points and Fardaws Aimaq recorded a 12-point, 14-rebound double-double to lead Utah Valley to a 77-50 win over California Baptist to open Western Athletic Conference play on Friday night at the UCCU Center.
 
Utah Valley improves to 3-5 overall and 1-0 in WAC play with the win. California Baptist falls to 3-3 overall and 0-1 in league play. The two teams will meet up again on Saturday night at the UCCU Center in the new back-to-back game WAC format.
 
After falling behind 7-2 to open the game, Utah Valley used a 24-6 run over the next nine minutes to take a 26-13 lead with 8:38 remaining in the half. The Wolverines extended their lead to as many as 19 points, 37-18, with 5:45 to go. The Lancers then scored eight unanswered points to cut the UVU lead to 11 points, 37-26, with just over three minutes remaining in the first. Utah Valley responded right back with an 8-1 run to close out the half to take a 45-27 lead into the break.
 
California Baptist scored seven unanswered points to open the second half, trimming the UVU lead to a 45-34 advantage. The Wolverines responded right back with a 21-4 run over the next 10 minutes to take its largest lead of the game, 28 points, 66-38. The lead was enough cushion for the Wolverines to take the 77-50 win.
 
Overton scored his 18 points on an 8 of 14 clip from the field and a 2 of 4 performance at the charity stripe. The senior guard also pulled down eight rebounds to go along with three assists, two blocks, and two steals.
 
Aimaq recorded his double-double by halftime and finished with 12 points and 14 rebounds in just 19 minutes of action. The sophomore center knocked down 5 of 12 shots from the floor and connected on 2 of 4 shots at the free throw line. Trey Woodbury was also in double figures with 11 points. Woodbury also had three rebounds and three assists.
 
Blaze Nield had nine points and seven assists with only one turnover in 16 minutes. Evan Cole had eight points and eight rebounds. Le'Tre Darthard and Tim Fuller each had six points off the bench, while Asa McCord helped with five points and five boards.
 
As a team, UVU shot 47.5 percent from the field while holding CBU to a 35.7 percent clip. UVU outrebounded the Lancers, 49-26. The Wolverines dished out 21 assists.
 
Utah Valley will continue league play against California Baptist on Saturday at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on the WAC Digital Network, UVU's YouTube channel and on ESPN 960 AM radio.