North Dakota State eases past Utah Valley 74-70

Dec 24, 2013, 12:30 am

OREM, Utah -- Taylor Braun and Lawrence Alexander combined to score 39 points to lead North Dakota State to a 74-70 win over Utah Valley Monday night.

Alexander had 19 points, making all four of his 3-point attempts. Braun had 20 points, sinking 14 of 16 free throws.

North Dakota State (10-4) had an overwhelming advantage underneath, scoring 38 points in the paint compared to Utah Valley's 14.

The Wolverines held a 24-14 lead midway through the first period but North Dakota State charged back to lead 45-38 lead at the half. Utah Valley took a 65-64 lead at the 7:02 mark on a 3-point shot by Keawe Enos. North Dakota State's TrayVonn Wright followed that with a dunk as the Bison retook the lead and held on for the win.

Holton Hunsaker led Utah Valley (5-7) with 22 points, making 11 of 11 free throws. Enos totaled 14 points.