Feb. 16, 2008

Box Score

SAVANNAH, Ga. - A big second half Savannah State run led the Tigers to a 61-46 victory over Utah Valley.

The loss ended the Wolverines (12-14) six-game winning streak. UV was led by Ryan Toolson's 18 points.

"Savannah State played a terrific game," Utah Valley head coach Dick Hunsaker. "They out-engergized us and shot the ball well. We weren't able to match their intensity and execution."

Both teams struggled shooting and with turnovers early in the first half. After a pair of Utah Valley three-pointers gave the Wolverines an early 8-4 lead four minutes into the game. After a series of possessions of trading baskets, the Tigers went on a 5-0 run to take a 16-14 lead.

With the Wolverines down 16-15, UV went on a 6-1 run to take a 23-19 advantage on a pair of Richard Troyer free throws with 2:43 left in the half. Utah Valley's four-point advantage was the largest by either team in the first half.

Savannah State finished the half on a 7-1 run including a tip-in as time expired to take a 26-25 lead to the halftime break.

The second half started with SSU going on a 9-4 run to take a 35-29 lead with 17:08 left in the half. After a three-pointer by Richard Troyer with 16:40, the Tigers broke the game open with a 15-0 run. SSU took a 50-32 lead on a three-pointer by Curtis Brown with 11 minutes remaining.

Down the stretch the teams traded baskets with Savannah State holding on for the win.

UV will have its final road game as the Wolverines travel to North Carolina Central to take on the Eagles on Tuesday. Tip off is scheduled for 5 p.m. (MT)