STAR CITY, W.Va. (Interstat) — Utah built a large first-half lead and withstood a fierce West Virginia comeback to earn a 61-56 men’s basketball victory Wednesday night at WVU Coliseum.

The Utes led 31-21 at halftime and by as many as 18 points early before the Mountaineers surged. West Virginia cut the deficit to two points late, but Utah sealed the game at the free-throw line. Seydou Traore led Utah with 17 points. Chance Moore and Honor Huff each scored 12 for West Virginia.

Utah improved to 10-16. West Virginia fell to 16-10.