OREM—
Fardaws Aimaq recorded a 25-point, 15-rebound double-double and
Colby Leifson added a career-high 18 points to lead the Utah Valley University men's basketball team to an 82-48 win over Antelope Valley on Friday night in the team's home opener at the UCCU Center.
After Antelope Valley (5-2) scored the first two points of the game, Utah Valley (1-1) responded with a 14-2 run culminating in an Aimaq dunk as the Wolverines jumped out to a 14-4 lead though the first five minutes of the game. UVU held on to its 10-point lead, 19-9, before an Aimaq layup and a
Blaze Nield three-pointer sparked a 9-1 run as the Wolverines extended their lead to 18 points, 28-10, with eight minutes remaining in the first half. UVU then outscored UAV 19-12 through the final eight minutes of the half to take a 47-22 lead into the break.
The Wolverines outscored UAV 10-9 through the first nine minutes of the second half to take a 57-33 lead with 11 minutes to play.
Colby Leifson then knocked down three shots from long range over the next two minutes to give UVU a 66-40 advantage with eight minutes remaining. UVU outscored the Pioneers 13-6 the rest of the way to secure the 82-48 win.
Aimaq scored his game-high 25 points on 11 of 14 shooting, including a 3 of 4 mark at the charity stripe. Aimaq also pulled down a game-high 15 rebounds with one assist and a block. Leifson scored his career-high 18 points on 6 of 8 shooting from long range.
Le'Tre Darthard was also in double figures with 12 points, connecting on four three-pointers. Darthard also had three rebounds and three assists.
Blaze Nield dished out a career-high nine assists with five points, three steals, and a pair of rebounds.
Connor Harding had six points with six rebounds, five assists, one block, and one steal.
As a team, Utah Valley shot 50 percent (30 of 66) from the field and a 48.3 percent (14 of 29) mark from long range. UVU held UAV to a 30 percent (17 of 56) clip from the field.
Utah Valley now begins stretch of four straight games in Southern California. The Wolverines will travel to Pepperdine on Monday, Nov. 15, before playing at Long Beach State on Wednesday, Nov. 17. The team will then play in the SoCal Challenge in San Juan Capistrano on Nov. 22 and Nov. 24. UVU's next home game will be on Nov. 27 against Denver.
