Utah Valley runs past Montana Tech, 72-47

r Isaac Neilson recorded his fifth double-double of the season with a game-high 15 points and 11 rebounds to lead Utah Valley to a 72-47 win over Montana Tech on Friday afternoon at the UCCU Center.

The Wolverines built up a double digit lead, 17-6, midway through the first half. The team then extended it to 16 points, 30-14, with 4:45 remaining in the half. Montana Tech then knocked down a pair of threes to cut the UVU’s lead to a 30-22 advantage, but the Wolverines extended the lead back to 13 points, 35-22, at the break.

Utah Valley opened the second half on a 14-3 run, extending its lead to 26 points, 51-25, with 15 minutes to play. The Wolverines then continued to build on the lead through the remainder of the second half to secure the win.

Neilson tallied his 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field and a 3-of-3 mark at the charity stripe. He also registered three blocks to go along with his 15 rebounds.

Brandon Randolph and Jared Stutzman were also in double figures with 10 points apiece. Randolph was also in double figures with 10 points, knocking down 2-of-7 shots from the floor and 5-of-7 shots from the free throw line. The junior guard also tallied six rebounds and two assists. Stutzman scored his 10 points on a 3-of-5 clip from the field, including a pair of shots from long range.

Jordan Poydras scored nine points on three made shots from beyond the arc. The senior guard also pulled down four rebounds with an assist. Joonas Tahvanainen helped with eight points and four rebounds.

Utah Valley travels to California next week for its final two non-conference road games of the season. The Wolverines will play at UC Riverside on Dec. 28 before taking on UC Davis on Dec. 31. UVU next returns home on Jan. 2 for a matchup against Antelope Valley.

Tickets for all home games can be purchased here.