Randolph, Toolson help Utah Valley hold off UC Riverside

Dec 29, 2017, 04:04 pm

OREM, Utah -- Brandon Randolph and Conner Toolson scored 20 points apiece as Utah Valley sprinted to an early lead and then held off UC Riverside for a 90-82 win on Thursday night.

Utah Valley (10-5) took a 54-36 advantage into halftime and led 63-46 with 15:04 left when UC Riverside started to chip away at the lead. Chance Murray hit two straight jumpers, Ajani Kennedy added another and Dikymbe Martin scored seven straight to close to 77-72 at the 5:14 mark. James Jackson added a layup to trail 78-74.

Kenneth Ogbe, who finished with 19 points, answered with a layup and Isaac Neilson followed with a dunk as the Wolverines thwarted the UC Riverside rally.

Ben Nakwaasah added 16 for Utah Valley, which nailed 16 of 33 from distance, the second-highest total in school history.

Murray led the Highlanders (5-8) with 25 points while dishing out seven assists.