OREM, Utah – Ben Aird had nine points, 13 rebounds and a season high five blocks as Utah Valley State slipped past Texas-Pam American 45-42 Saturday night.
The score was tied 21 at the break. Zach Nelson hit a 3-pointer and Mitch Bruneel, who also had nine points, scored to give Utah Valley a 26-21 lead to open the second half, and built a 39-32 advantage with 9:56 left.
Shaquille Boga hit a 3-pointer with 2:54 left to pull Texas-Pan American within 42-40. Aird made a free throw then Lauri Toivonen answered with a layup to cut the Wolverines' lead to 43-42 with 20 seconds left. Holton Hunsaker made two free throws to seal the victory for Utah Valley.
The Wolverines (18-10, 12-3 Western Athletic Conference) clinched at least a share of the conference regular season title.
Boga had 14 points and Shaquille Hines had 10 for UTPA (9-21, 5-10).
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