GRAND FORKS, N.D. — Ethan Potter scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead three other Wolverines in double figures in a 77-71 road loss to North Dakota on Thursday morning at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center.
 
The game saw 23 lead changes and seven ties, with a large crowd of grade-school children in attendance for a field trip. UVU drops to 2-1 on the season, while North Dakota improves to 2-1.
 
Potter finished with an impressive 10-of-11 shooting performance, just two rebounds shy of a double-double. He also recorded a block.
 
Dominick Nelson added 12 points and seven rebounds, and Trevan Leonhard contributed a career-high 12 points, five assists, and three rebounds.
 
Tanner Toolson also scored in double figures with 10 points, five rebounds, and two steals. Cory Wells came off the bench to score seven points with five steals, while Hayden Welling chipped in six points and a career-best eight rebounds.
 
Utah Valley shot 45.5% (25-of-55) from the field, including 22.2% (4-of-18) from beyond the arc. North Dakota shot 43.3% (26-of-60) from the floor and 27.8% (5-of-18) from three.
 
North Dakota narrowly edged UVU on the boards, 38-37 and held a 38-36 advantage in points in the paint.
 
Thursday's game marked the first of a two-game series this season against the Fighting Hawks. Utah Valley will host UND on Dec. 11 at the UCCU Center.
 
The Wolverines continue a stretch of seven straight road games at Murray State on Nov. 22 in Murray, Kentucky. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. MT, with the game broadcast on ESPN+.