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Show B2 ONE-ON-ONE From B2 3) Which player does UVU need to step up the most? Matt: Assuming Ben Aird and Holton Hunsaker continue their recent hot streak, the bench is as good a candidate as anyone. Alfonzo Hubbard is the Wolverines' only semi-consistent reserve at this point, as Hunsaker has opted to insert him for Aird and simply go small with Robinson playing center. Hubbard has played well of late, scoring in double figures in three of the last four nonconference games. If he can keep up that kind of effort, an off-night from Williams might be more sufferable. Jonathan: Over the last 10 games, Ben Aird has led the team in rebounding three times and in scoring four times. His development over the season will be key heading into conference play. When the Wolverines are able to get him involved in the passing game from the top of the key, they are able to open up scoring opportunities under the basket. 5) At this point, what's the Wolverines' biggest strength? Biggest weakness? Matt: Ironically, UVU's front line made the biggest impact after all the preseason expectations for Williams Again, I credit a lot of that to the attention Williams draws, but the Aird/Robinson/ Thompson trio has proven to be a physical and versatile force. The biggest concern at this point? Shooting. Even after their three consecutive wins, UVU is shooting just 42 perent from the field, including 29 percent from deep. A lot of people expected those numbers to much higher with so many returning threats this season. Then again, maybe that's why Hunsaker tried to squash those expectations in the first place. • SPORTS Williams snags GWC player of the week NAPERVILLE, Ill. -- Utah Valley's Isiah Williams has been named Great West Conference Player of the Week after an outstanding performance last week. The award was announced Monday by the league office. Williams, the reigning GWC Player of the Year, scored 19 points in the Wol- verines' 84-74 road win at Seattle last week. The guard from Chicago, Ill., also pulled down three rebounds and dished out five assists in the victory. Utah Valley hosts Saint Mary on Monday night before beginning its defense of the Great West Conference championship on Saturday when it hosts North Dakota at 7:05 p.m. MENS BASKETBALL STANDINGS W UVU 10 10 NJIT 8 9 UTPA 15 6 UND 8 9 CSU 17 1 HBU 11 6 UPCOMING WOLVERINE GAMES Thursday, Jan. 26 Finding a way to close out big games may be more of a learning process than a weakness, but to become the type of program they wish to be, this is a must going forward. A call here or there may have made a difference, but making a play would have for sure. A hot Wyoming team came to Orem shortly after beating UVU by 33 in Laramie and the Wolverines had them on the ropes in the final minute but couldn't cash in. ment offensively, but we are a team that's headed into the right direction for the last six or seven games." Coaches picked Utah Valley as the preseason favorite to win the Great West crown after the Wolverines went 10-2 in conference play last season. The two losses came against South Dakota, which has since left the Great West for the Summit League. Utah Valley boasted the conference's leading rebounder in Geddes Robinson (10.1rpg) and second-leading scorer in Williams (15 .Oppg) . Holton Hunsaker, however, was adamant that the team respects its competition despite Utah Valley's athletic programs habitual dominance in conference play. "I think we're going to have to be ready as far as we can't think that conference play is going to be easier than what we've been doing now," Hunsaker said. "We played them all last year twice, so they know what we do...I think just the opposite. It's only going to get harder. Isiah Williams hoists a jumper in a regular season game. Report Card 2011-2012 UVU Review A_ 7pm* W. Basketball @ Chicago St. Front Court 6pm Geddes' boards, Thompson's `D' and Aird's versatility make for imposing front line Track @ Air Force Friday, Jan. 27 Back Court B+ Isiah Williams' production is down but rising, while Hunsaker is coming on strong of late. Wrestling vs. N. Iowa B 7pm* Track @ Air Force PHOTO BY LANCE LARSEN/UVU REVIEW UVU Men's Basketball M. Basketball vs. Chicago St. Jonathan: Without a doubt their biggest strength how hard they work and the chemistry they have developed. There aren't any inflated egos with coach Hunsaker's crew and they feed off each others' intensity. You won't find a more humble duo than Isiah Williams and Geddes Robinson, who get so much from their teammates just by being themselves. BASKETBALL from B1 Defense Assets to make life miserable for opposition, consistent energy & effort needed. Saturday, Jan. 28 M. Basketball vs. NJIT Bench 7pm* C+ Tightened rotation leaves Hubbard as sixth man on a thin bench. B_ W. Basketball @ NJIT 7pm Overall Track @ Air Force ROBINSON from B1 PHOTO COURTESY OF WOLVERINEGREEN.COM The Wolverines women's soccer team practices between road games. After a four-game losing streak, Utah Valley won two straight over Idaho and Montana, respectively. couple of things according to Robinson. "It's hard work and a mindset for sure," Robinson said. "No matter what it is, if I have to dive on the floor, go to the glass, box somebody out, whatever I have to do, I try to just get after it." Robinson may be one of the hardest working athletes in college sports, and he opened up on his development over the years in an interview Wednesday afternoon. "Growing up I tried to work on all parts of my game," Robinson said. "But over the years I kept hearing 'play defense, play defense, and get stops.' I finally believed in it and started focusing on it more. Whoever scores more points wins, but playing tough defense limits the other teams chances." Often it takes necessity to 10-10 record is average, but talent and continuity point to high expectations. trigger an "ah-ha" moment getting a steal and a fast-break that leads to change, and that lay-up or dunk can, according was true for Robinson during to Robinson, be that pay-off his journey with UVU. When that sparks an even greater efasked about his defensive fort on defenses. epiphany, he was quick to re"It ignites us a lot," Robply. inson said. "Once you see "It was a little after the sea- it's that easy, as far as playson started last year," Robin- ing good defense that leads son said. "We have so many to easy baskets, it makes you offensive threats on this team hungry for the next stop. You that I felt like I had to bring just keep playing aggressive something else to the table and you see guys getting layjust to keep playing. So I fo- ups, and I mean everyone cused on doing all the little loves lay-ups, that's the easithings to help the team win est shot in the game. We get like defense and rebounding. fired up and we get after it so There will be nights when we can get another one." your shot isn't falling but you Robinson's story is not only can always play defense." one of adaptation and proAs the Wolverines head into gression; it's also a reminder conference play, their effort that while not all may have on defense will be something the natural talent of others, to watch for. Defensive hard working hard can make good work doesn't always pay off things happen for everyone. immediately, but seeing results is rewarding as well as inspiring. Specific plays like GEDDES ROBINSON .,:. SENIOR 6-5 BRONX, NEWYORK AVERAGING A DOUBLEDOUBLE, 10.4 PTS AND 10.2 REBOUNDS PER GAME |