UVU Wins CBI Opener Thanks To 21 Points By Toolson

OREM, Utah – The Utah Valley Wolverines advanced to the second round of the College Basketball Invitational with a 92-84 victory over CSU Northridge.

The Wolverines chose to enter the CBI after being passed over for entry into the National Invitational Tournament and missing out on a chance at the NCAA Tournament by losing to Grand Canyon in the semifinals of the Western Athletic Conference tournament.

In the postseason tournament victory, the Wolverines were led by WAC Player of the Year Jake Toolson, who had 21 points on 6-for-12 shooting.

S H O O K 🌪#GoUVU #UVU #WAChoops #ProtectTheDen #CBI2019 pic.twitter.com/Pdq8XEXwsb

— UVU Athletics (@GoUVU) March 20, 2019

Center Baylee Steele also had a great outing in the tournament-opening game with a 19-point, 16-rebound double-double.

In the game, the Wolverines shot 45 percent from the field with nine 3-pointers made.

Lamine Diane led the visiting Matadors with 27 points.

This year’s appearance marks the third straight season that UVU has played in the CBI. The Wolverines made it to the quarterfinals in 2018 and to the semifinals in 2017.

#11 C. Toolson starting us off 👊#GoUVU #UVU #WAChoops #ProtectTheDen #CBI2019 pic.twitter.com/IhKBMjEmbF

— UVU Athletics (@GoUVU) March 20, 2019

The program has yet to make an appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

With the win, the Wolverines’ season record improved to 25-9 with a 14-1 mark at home.

Next Up

The Wolverines will next face the winner of USF and Stony Brook, which play on Wednesday.  If USF wins, the game will take place in Tampa, Florida. If Stony Brook wins, the game will be hosted by UVU on Monday.