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OREM — A late start to the game meant nothing for Utah Valley as it dominated in the second half for a 70-54 win over Weber State in Orem Tuesday night.
The first two minutes of game play were slow for Utah Valley, with Weber State making the first basket of the night and exerting defensive dominance. But the speed quickly picked up for the Wolverines as Caleb Stone-Carrawell and K'mani Doughty made back-to-back 3-pointers.
Weber State managed a 6-point lead early in the game before the Wolverines made a push. After a 3-pointer from Tanner Toolson and a stop on the other end of the court, the Wolverines managed to cut down the Wildcats' lead little by little.
With five minutes left in the first half, a block by Ethan Potter gave Toolson the exact momentum he needed to get a layup and take the first lead of the night for Utah Valley, 30-29.
The go-ahead score was part of a 16-3 run for the Wolverines that eventually pushed the lead to 38-32 at the end of the first half.
The second half started similar to the first, with Weber State dominating at the rim. Utah Valley managed to keep its lead, but not without some difficulty and close calls.
A nearly three minute scoring drought for the Wolverines ended with a clean layup from Nate Tshimanga, who then followed it up with a jumper. That energy propelled Utah Valley to a 13-0 run and a 17-point lead with under seven minutes left on the clock.
Shooting from the free-throw line was the main struggle for Weber State, who finished 1-of-8 in the first half. The second half proved slightly better, but marginally at 5-of-10 from the line.
"That's really good defense by us; we worked on that a little bit," Utah Valley head coach Todd Phillips said. "I thought our crowd was great tonight, and I think that affected them."
Stone-Carrawell, who closed out the game with a long 3-pointer, posted 19 points, four rebounds, and two assists to lead the Wolverines.
"Just trying to stay aggressive, get on my spots, and play my game," Stone-Carrawell said.
The Wolverines face Oregon State Saturday in Corvallis, Oregon.
