Dec. 21, 2012

OREM, Utah -- Utah Valley University looks to gain a season split with North Carolina Central on Saturday afternoon at 4:05 p.m. in the UCCU Center. The Wolverines (6-7) fell 70-52 in Durham to the Eagles (5-6) on Nov. 27.

"North Carolina Central completely outplayed us in our first meeting," said UVU coach Dick Hunsaker. "They were more physical, quicker to the ball, they out-hustled us and dominated at every position. They know they can beat us."

On Wednesday, UVU beat Troy for the second time in overtime this season after picking up a double-OT victory on Dec. 8 in Alabama. The Wolverines' last three victories have all come in overtime.

In Wednesday's 67-64 overtime win, Ben Aird finished with 18 points, nine rebounds and three blocks with Nick Thompson adding 13 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Holton Hunsaker scored 13 including six in overtime and Antoine Hosley chipped in 10 off the bench for UVU.

N.C. Central has played just three games since the Nov. 27 contest against UVU, picking up a win over North Carolina A&T in its MEAC opener on Dec. 1. Since, the Eagles have suffered pair of narrow defeats against Eastern Kentucky and, most recently, by three points on Dec. 19 at Drake.

Jeremy Ingram leads fourth-year coach LeVelle Moton's club with 14.7 points per game. Stanton Kidd, who scored 14 in the earlier win over UVU, averages 14.4 points and 6.6 rebounds alongside Ray Willis' 12.7 points. Willis led all scorers in the first meeting with 15.

This is the final of a three-game homestand for Utah Valley and the last game prior to a short Christmas break. Play will resume on Dec. 28-29 at the Dr Pepper Classic in Chattanooga, Tenn. against Austin Peay. UVU opens Great West Conference action on Jan. 5 at home against NJIT.