BROOKINGS, S.D. (Interstat) — In a commanding wire-to-wire victory, the Utah Valley Wolverines defeated the South Dakota State Jackrabbits 75-52 in a non-conference men’s basketball game Tuesday night at a neutral site, the Aventura Palace Resort.

The Wolverines seized control from the opening tip, establishing a defensive tone that would define the contest. A steal by Trevan Leonhardt led to an Isaac Davis dunk just 43 seconds into the game, sparking an early run. Utah Valley’s defense forced multiple South Dakota State turnovers and missed shots, allowing the Wolverines to build a significant first-half advantage.

Utah Valley led 29-24 at halftime, but the game was ultimately decided by a dominant second-half performance. The Wolverines exploded for 46 points after the break, consistently extending their lead while holding the Jackrabbits to just 28 points in the period. The offensive surge, combined with relentless defensive pressure, turned the contest into a lopsided affair.

Leonhardt, a guard from Kaysville, Utah, led all scorers with 16 points, adding three assists and a block in 30 minutes of action. He was instrumental in both halves, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates.

He was complemented by a pair of teammates who also scored in double figures. Braden Housley, from Sandy, Utah, contributed 15 points and two assists, while Tyler Hendricks of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, chipped in 16 points, including several key three-pointers that helped stretch the Utah Valley lead.

The Wolverines also received a strong interior presence from Isaac Hawkins. The 6-foot-10 forward from Fort Mill, South Carolina, scored nine points, recorded two assists and swatted two shots, providing a defensive anchor in the paint.

For South Dakota State, Matthew Mors of Yankton, South Dakota, led the way with 10 points, three assists and three blocks. Trey Buchanan and Jaden Jackson each added eight points for the Jackrabbits, who struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm against Utah Valley’s defensive schemes.

With the win, Utah Valley improved its season record to 4-2. The loss dropped South Dakota State to 4-3 on the year.

The game was part of a multi-team event, and both teams are scheduled to return to action Wednesday. Utah Valley will face Samford, while South Dakota State travels to face UC Irvine.