Five Wolverines scored in double figures. Lauren Johnson finished with 12 points, Naia Tanuvasa added 11, and Anna Shreeve and Tabi Clark each scored 10. Lauren Johnson and Clark were among eight Wolverines making their UVU debuts. Gracie Johnson pulled down 12 rebounds in just 13 minutes, Gabi Moultrie knocked down two 3-pointers, and Olivia Stephens tallied eight points and four assists in her collegiate debut.

“It was good to get the first game under our belt,” said UVU head coach Dan Nielson. “I liked our effort tonight and thought we showed some positive glimpses. It’s always a great thing to get everyone in the game and playing hard. We will get back to work tomorrow and continue to focus on playing more consistently so we can be ready for a very good Santa Clara team on Saturday.”

Utah Valley used its defense to ignite a 13-0 run early in the first quarter. Steals and fast-break layups from Shreeve and Tanuvasa helped the Wolverines build a 13-2 advantage by the first media timeout. The Wolverines continued to pressure the Buccaneers defensively, holding them to 3-of-16 shooting in the opening quarter. On the offensive end, Utah Valley scored 12 points in the paint during the period, led by Shreeve’s seven points and Tanuvasa’s four.

The Wolverines opened the second quarter with a 10-0 run to push their lead to 18. Gentry and Lauren both scored inside during the stretch, and UVU continued to expand the margin throughout the period. Moultrie capped another strong run with one of her two 3-pointers with 3:37 remaining before halftime.

Cambree Blackham recorded five points and seven assists, connecting on her lone 3-point attempt early in the second half. Utah Valley followed with an 8-0 run sparked by a Clark 3-pointer before Shreeve, Stephens and Kendra Kitchen each added layups, extending the lead to 61-22 with less than three minutes remaining in the third quarter. Stephens closed the period with a 3-pointer.

The Wolverines continued to dominate defensively in the fourth quarter, allowing just four points on a 3-pointer and a free throw. Utah Valley outscored Park-Gilbert 20-4 in the final frame. Gentry scored a team-high four points in the quarter, while Lauren, Kitchen and Stephens each added three as UVU pulled away for the 53-point victory.

UP NEXT

The Wolverines will host West Coast Conference favorite Santa Clara (1-0) on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the UCCU Center. The Broncos ran past Wyoming 84-50 on Monday night in Laramie. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. MT, and the game will air on ESPN+. Utah Valley will then have a week off before welcoming Nevada to Orem on Saturday, Nov. 14.