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OREM — In last weeks loss to Grand Canyon, Utah Valley's offense was stagnant. Scoring a season low 57 points, the Wolverines needed an offensive showing versus UT Arlington to keep its momentum ahead of the conference tournament that takes place in Las Vegas in four weeks.
Well, they got it.
Utah Valley's 43-point first half sparked a lead too big for UT Arlington to overcome as the Wolverines defeated the Mavericks 94-73 and jump back into first place in the WAC standings.
Dominick Nelson was dominant once again for Utah Valley, providing 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting, paired with five assists and four rebounds. It was also another solid game for Tanner Toolson who scored 13 points, 11 of them in the second half, and also had five assists and four rebounds with three steals.
"We shot the crud out of it from three tonight. We took a couple bad ones late so that hurt the percentage but its good to see it going in for some guys," head coach Todd Phillips said after the win.
Trevan Leonhardt flirted with a triple-double with 10 points, eight assists and seven rebounds in 27 minutes of play, which is the third lowest minute total he has had this conference season.
"I was just telling some of my friends that (getting a triple-double) is elusive. I just cant seem to get it this year," Leonhardt said laughing. "But I am just trying to do what I need to help my team win."
Utah Valley started with momentum, quickly jumping out to a 15-6 lead backed by Dominick Nelson who has had an efficient conference slate, pouring in 18 points per contest. Nelson opened the game with nine points in just five minutes.
The Wolverines held a 21-11 and sent Nelson to the bench for rest, but the Mavericks used the opportunity to climb back to the game. UT Arlington went on a crucial 7-0 run to climb back within three points while the Wolverines made one bucket in the four minute span that Nelson and Leonhardt were on the bench.
"We have a deep team. When you are on the floor you are just trying to make the best impact you can," Leonhardt said. "When I check back in I just do what the team needs."
Nelson checked back into the game and Utah Valley blossomed an 8-3 run to take a 33-24 lead with just over four minutes to play in the first half. Utah Valley closed out the final four minutes about as good as you could, heading into the final 20 minutes with a 43-28 lead.
The Wolverines opened the second half just as good as the first, outscoring UT Arlington 19-10 through eight minutes of play. The Mavericks, however, were able to limit the Wolverines offensive output for the time being and went on a 6-0 run to trim the lead under 20.
Despite its efforts, UT Arlington was unable to keep up with the Wolverines as Utah Valley continued its domination, totaling over 50 points in the second half.
Toolson's second half effort was pivotal in the Wolverines win, totaling 11 second-half points on 3-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc.
Utah Valley will look to start a winning streak versus Tarleton State on Saturday afternoon as the Texans come to Orem.
