STEPHENVILLE, Texas (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by frigid shooting, Utah Tech leaned on a career performance from Noah Bolanga to grind out a 65-59 victory over Tarleton State in a Western Athletic Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Wisdom Gym.

The Trailblazers, who swept the season series after a 75-71 win at home on Jan. 17, improved to 13-11 overall. The Texans fell to 11-11.

The most critical phase of the game unfolded late in the second half. With Utah Tech clinging to a 57-54 lead and just over two minutes remaining, Tarleton State’ Camron McDowell drove for a layup and was fouled hard by Utah Tech’s Dario Domingos, who was assessed a flagrant foul. McDowell completed the three-point play to tie the game, and after the ensuing possession, Kaia Isaac sank two free throws to give the Texans a 57-55 advantage, their first lead since early in the first half.

The momentum, however, was short-lived. On the next possession, Utah Tech’s Ethan Potter scored inside to knot the game again. Following a Tarleton State miss, the Trailblazers worked the clock before Jusaun Holt sank a decisive 3-pointer from the wing with 12 seconds left, assisted by Bolanga, to put Utah Tech ahead 60-57. The Texans could not answer, missing a final three-point attempt, and Utah Tech sealed the game at the free-throw line.

The contest was an offensive ordeal for long stretches, particularly for the home team. Tarleton State shot a dismal 21 for 61 from the field, a rate of 34.4 percent, and was an even worse 3 for 23 from 3-point range. Utah Tech was far more efficient, hitting half of its shots at 25 for 50, including 12 for 24 from beyond the arc. The Trailblazers offset a 16-5 disadvantage in offensive rebounds and a 14-3 deficit in free throws made with that superior shooting.

Bolanga, a 6-foot-8 guard from Poitiers, France, was the primary catalyst. He scored a game-high 23 points, surpassing his recent outputs, and added three assists, a block and two steals in 37 minutes. His scoring came on a mix of drives, pull-up jumpers and critical 3-pointers, providing the steady offensive engine Utah Tech desperately needed.

Camron McDowell led Tarleton State with 16 points, while Ocypher Owens added 12. Chris Mpaka contributed nine points, nine rebounds and two blocks for the Texans, whose 16 offensive boards led to 30 points in the paint but could not overcome their perimeter shooting woes.

Utah Tech led 29-30 at halftime in a low-scoring opening period. The Trailblazers then opened the second half with a 9-2 run, keyed by two Bolanga 3-pointers, to establish a cushion they would maintain until Tarleton State’s late surge.

The announced attendance at Wisdom Gym was 2,119. Utah Tech will host Texas-Arlington next on Thursday. Tarleton State travels to face California Baptist on Thursday.