OREM, Utah (Interstat) — Utah Valley opened Western Athletic Conference play with a decisive 74-49 victory over Tarleton State on Thursday at the UCCU Center.

The Wolverines (7-5) seized control with a 20-point second quarter to lead 34-27 at halftime. They then broke the game open with a dominant 24-point third quarter, holding the Texans (7-6) to just 11 points in the period. Utah Valley’s defense stifled Tarleton State throughout, limiting the visitors to 11 points again in the fourth quarter.

Naia Tanuvasa led a balanced Utah Valley attack. The Wolverines shot efficiently from the floor while their defense held Tarleton State to a cold shooting night. Attendance was 648.