Wolverines move up in Great West

With winning momentum gained from their victory over Chicago State on Jan. 27, the men’s basketball team hit their home court again two days later, Jan. 29, to host NJIT.

Taking a win over the Highlanders put the Wolverines 4-1 in the Great West Conference as they went into last week’s games against the University of Texas-Pan American and Houston Baptist University.

Taking an early lead, the Wolverines took their lead to as much as 19 during the first half and went into the locker room at the half with a nine-point lead.

The second half saw NJIT try to stay within a safe distance from Utah Valley, but after Shawn Deadwiler hit a three-pointer the Wolverines went on a 11-0 run, giving themselves a good lead and securing the game.

“Tough game, physical game,” said Coach Dick Hunsaker. “New Jersey has good players; they are intelligent and have good skills. They got a lot of momentum in this game when they cut the lead at the end of the first half. I feel very fortunate that we were able to compete and fight and pull out a hard fought win.”

Utah Valley used the Highlanders 12 turnovers to give themselves 13 points and 11 off of second chance.

Four Wolverines scored in double figures in the winning game. Transfer standout Geddes Robinson led the Wolverines offensively with thirteen points and nine rebounds.

Following Robinson, senior Justin Baker finished with 12 points and 6 boards. Freshman standout Holton Hunsaker finished with 11 points, while freshman teammate Ben Aird finished with a double-double 10 points and 12 rebounds.

After returning from their road trip to the Lone-Star state, the Wolverines will again be on the road this Wednesday at Seattle University. Earlier this season, Utah Valley took a 89-73 win over Seattle and will look for another victory this week.

The Wolverines will then return home this Saturday as they host the University of Texas-Pan American in the Activity Center for Throwback 80’s night. Wolverine fans who sport 80’s attire will receive and extra entry into the $1,000 giveaway drawing from Pinnacle Security.