Halle Nelson finished with a game-high 18 points and nine rebounds, while preseason All-WAC selection Amanda Barcello added 14 points, going 5-for-6 from the field and 4-for-5 from deep. Tessa Chaney paced the Wolverines’ offense in the first half with 14 points as UVU outscored the Roadrunners 32-20 in the paint.

“I thought it was a solid road win to start the season off right,” said UVU head coach Dan Nielson. “We did some really good things defensively, and Halle, Tessa and Amanda did a great job carrying us offensively. There’s definitely plenty to work on with taking care of the ball and executing, but I feel like we’re on the right track.”

Utah Valley opened the first quarter with an early advantage as Barcello’s 3-pointer and a jumper from Nelson gave the Wolverines a 5-0 lead. Midway through the quarter, the Roadrunners responded with a series of baskets to briefly take a 6-5 lead. UVU’s bench added six points to keep the game close as CSUB gained momentum.

Saige Gibb came off the bench to force one of her five steals, then hit a free throw and buried a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to 12-11. She finished with five rebounds and four steals. Chaney tied the game with a free throw before hitting a jumper with 13 seconds left to give Utah Valley a 14-12 lead after the first quarter.

The Wolverines opened the second quarter strong, highlighted by Chaney’s early layup assisted by Kylee Mabry. UVU capitalized on turnovers and continued to attack the paint, with Chaney adding another pair of layups to extend the lead.

Midway through the quarter, Utah Valley’s rebounding limited CSUB’s second-chance opportunities, while free throws from Naia Tanuvasa helped maintain the advantage. Despite a late surge from the hosts, the Wolverines closed the half with a layup from Cambree Blackham to take a 32-23 lead.

UVU’s defense set the tone in the third quarter, forcing multiple turnovers and capitalizing on fast breaks. Barcello led the charge with key steals and a timely 3-pointer, while Nelson and Mabry added efficient scoring in the paint. Blackham facilitated several plays as Utah Valley continued to extend its lead. The Wolverines recorded seven steals in the quarter and ended the frame up 57-33.

Utah Valley maintained its defensive pressure in the fourth quarter, highlighted by Nelson’s layup and steal early in the period. Nelson’s consistent scoring included another layup and a 3-pointer, fueling a balanced offensive effort. Despite a few turnovers, the Wolverines held control with timely defensive stops and efficient shooting.

The game also marked UVU debuts for Tanuvasa and Kaylee Headrick, who finished with seven points, including a 3-for-4 performance from the free-throw line. Evie Leeson, Gaby Goo and Anna Shreeve also made their Division I debuts, with Shreeve appearing in the fourth quarter for her collegiate debut.

Utah Valley continues its road trip at Loyola Marymount on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 6 p.m. MT / 5 p.m. PT. The matchup will serve as LMU’s season opener.