STEPHENVILLE, Texas (Interstat) — Utah Valley held off a late charge to defeat Tarleton State 91-85 in a Western Athletic Conference men’s basketball game Thursday at Wisdom Gym. The Wolverines led 43-40 at halftime and maintained a narrow advantage throughout the second half before securing the win.

Dior Johnson led all scorers with 36 points for the Texans. Jackson Holcombe paced Utah Valley with 22 points. The Wolverines improved to 12-3 overall, while Tarleton State fell to 10-5. An announced crowd of 987 attended the New Year’s Day contest.