SALT LAKE CITY (Interstat) — Danny Young Jr. scored 36 points and Salt Lake used a dominant performance at the free-throw line to pull away from Colorado Northwestern for a 102-88 victory in a men’s junior college basketball game Wednesday night.

The game’s decisive stretch came late in the first half, turning what had been a tight contest into a sustained Salt Lake advantage. With the score tied at 88 and just over five minutes remaining in the second quarter, the Bruin Bears unleashed a game-ending 14-0 run over the final 4:55 to seal the win. The surge was fueled by stifling defense and clutch free-throw shooting, hallmarks of Salt Lake’s performance all night.

Young, the game’s top star, was central to the victory. He added 10 rebounds and five assists to his game-high point total, attacking the basket consistently and converting 10 of 12 attempts from the foul line. His backcourt partner, Nick Jefferson, facilitated the offense with nine assists and added 15 points.

Colorado Northwestern’s Carter Killian kept the Spartans in contention with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Trey Johnson contributed 18 points and seven rebounds. The Spartans shot 50% from the field but were undone by 18 turnovers and a dismal 5-for-13 performance at the free-throw line. In stark contrast, Salt Lake capitalized on its opportunities, making 18 of 20 free throws.

The most important sequence of the game began with the score knotted at 88. Salt Lake’s defense locked down, forcing rushed shots and turnovers from the Spartans. On the offensive end, the Bruin Bears methodically worked the ball and drew fouls. Reggie Larsen hit a critical 3-pointer during the run, and Salt Lake scored nine of its final 14 points from the free-throw line, with Young and Jefferson combining to go a perfect 6-for-6 in the closing minutes. Colorado Northwestern failed to score on its final seven possessions of the game.

Salt Lake also won the battle of efficiency. Both teams had 86 possessions, but the Bruin Bears posted an offensive rating of 119.3, significantly outperforming the Spartans’ 102.1. Salt Lake’s defensive pressure resulted in 12 steals, doubling Colorado Northwestern’s total, which led to easy transition opportunities.

With the win, Salt Lake improved its season record to 10-18. Colorado Northwestern, which has now lost eight consecutive games, fell to 3-24. The Bruin Bears have won all three meetings between the two teams this season.