OREM, Utah - The Utah Valley University men's basketball team (9-8) picked up its ninth win of the season Saturday at home in a 55-39 victory over Savannah State (9-11).

In his first start since injuring his ankle nearly one month ago, senior guard Josh Olsen led all scorers with 15 points on 4-for-5 shooting from the field and 3-for-5 shooting from the free-throw line. All of his shot attempts were three-point tries. Also in double figures for Utah Valley was junior forward  Jourdain Scoubes who dropped 12 points and pulled down seven boards on the visiting Tigers.

"Savannah is very physical, very hard nosed, and very competitive," UVU head coach Dick Hunsaker said. "They are extremely well coached and well disciplined. We knew it was going to be a tough battle. I was pleased that we were able to withstand the physicality, and I thought we played hard in the game."

Defense was the name of the game for both teams in the first period, but the Wolverines took a 24-19 lead into the locker room at the break. Utah Valley held Savannah State to only three field goals in the first 10 minutes of the game and led by as many as 10 in the half. Scoubes had seven rebounds at the half and led all scorers with six points.

The Wolverines broke the game open in the second half shooting 50 percent from the field and holding the Tigers to 37 percent shooting. Utah Valley spurted to a 15-2 run over nearly four and half minutes at one point down the stretch and hit 5-of-7 from down town in the final 20 minutes.

UVU's next two games will be on the road at Chicago State and Cal State Bakersfield Thursday and Saturday, respectively. The Wolverines will return home to face the Academy of Art Feb. 5 at 7 p.m.


 
Olsen played 36 minutes in his first start since injuring his ankle nearly one month ago.