VINEYARD, Utah (Interstat) — In a game defined by a decisive surge just past its midpoint, the Utah Valley Wolverines held off a persistent Tarleton State Texans squad 79-72 in a Western Athletic Conference men’s basketball game Thursday night at UCCU Center.

A crowd of 2,355 saw the Wolverines (21-7, 9-4 WAC) complete a regular-season sweep of the Texans (14-15, 5-8) and solidify their position near the top of the conference standings. The victory, while expected by oddsmakers who installed Utah Valley as a 16.5-point favorite, required navigating a second-half challenge from the visitors.

The most critical sequence unfolded over a three-minute span late in the second half. With Utah Valley clinging to a 64-62 lead after Tarleton State’s Andy Sigiscar converted a layup with 5:09 remaining, the Wolverines unleashed an 8-0 run to seize control. The burst was fueled by their defensive intensity and the offensive versatility of Tyler Hendricks and Isaac Davis.

Hendricks started the run with a driving layup, and after a Texans miss, Jackson Holcombe found Hendricks for another score in transition, pushing the lead to six. Following a Tarleton State timeout, the Wolverines’ defense forced a difficult, blocked shot from Freddy Hicks, with Davis swatting the attempt. On the ensuing possession, Davis finished a tough layup off an assist from Trevan Leonhardt, capping the run and giving Utah Valley a 72-62 advantage with 2:26 to play. The Texans would not get closer than seven points the rest of the way.

Utah Valley’s Isaac Davis, a 6-foot-8 forward from Idaho Falls, Idaho, was the game’s standout performer, scoring a game-high 24 points in just 23 minutes off the bench. He was efficient and impactful, adding three assists and a block. His scoring punch provided a necessary counter to Tarleton State’s backcourt production.

The Texans were led by guard Dior Johnson, who poured in 23 points and dished out four assists. His backcourt mate, Freddy Hicks, added 12 points, while forward Ocypher Owens contributed 10 points and two blocks for Tarleton State.

The game’s tempo was established early, with both teams struggling to find an offensive rhythm. The first half was a disjointed affair featuring 15 combined turnovers and several scoring droughts. Utah Valley managed to carve out a 35-28 halftime lead behind 10 first-half points from Davis, who helped the Wolverines weather an otherwise cold shooting start.

Tarleton State, which shot just 28 points in the opening period, found its offensive footing after halftime. Johnson spearheaded the charge, attacking the rim and hitting from the perimeter as the Texans scored 44 second-half points. A 3-pointer from Kaia Isaac, who finished with nine points, brought Tarleton State within 56-54 midway through the half, setting the stage for the tense final minutes before Utah Valley’s decisive response.

Beyond Davis, Utah Valley showcased balanced scoring. Tyler Hendricks filled the stat sheet with 12 points, four assists and three blocks. Trevan Leonhardt played a steady floor game with 11 points and four assists, while Jackson Holcombe and Isaac Hawkins each added 11 points. Hawkins’ presence inside was also felt with two blocks.

The win extends Utah Valley’s positive momentum as it heads into the final stretch of conference play. According to Interstat’s ELO system, the Wolverines entered with a 92.5% probability to win, and they ultimately covered the pregame spread. The total score of 151 points surpassed the over/under line of 142.5.

For Tarleton State, the loss marks another close defeat in a season filled with narrow margins. The Texans have now dropped both meetings with Utah Valley this season, including a 83-55 loss on Jan. 29. They will look to regroup quickly as they continue their road trip.

Utah Valley next hosts Abilene Christian on Saturday, while Tarleton State travels to face California Baptist the same day.