OCR Text |
Show SPORTS B3 CONFERENCE from B1 start, pushing Williams into foul trouble and allowing him two points in the first half off of 1-of-5 field goal attempts. Despite his offensive troubles in the first half, Williams finished the game off strong, finishing with 13 points. "The defenses are loaded up against him," Hunsaker said. "He needs to become more active on the offensive end and moving without the ball to create more opportunities to score." Williams 5-of-9 field goal shooting in the second half and the leadership brought on by Holton Hunsaker may be what the team needs to continue to score down the stretch and bring home wins. At least, that's how Geddes Robinson explained it. Robinson consistently finishes with a doubledouble and is the conference leading rebounder. "After you see guys make a shot that's on your team it just gives you confidence," Robinson said. Nonetheless, Utah Valley's largest key in conference play so far has been Holton Hunsaker. The second-year guard finished second in scoring against North Dakota with 16 points right behind Alfonzo Hubbard's 17 points. With UVU's offense struggling against Chicago State in the first half, Hunsaker scored 16 points on perfect shooting from the field and the free throw line. "He's battled through the early season this year for dif- ferent reasons," coach Hunsaker said in regard to Holton. "I think he has been really focused in and prepared himself emotionally for conference play this season." The Wolverines will prepare for their fourth conference game Wednesday in Texas as they take on The University of Texas-Pan America. MENS BASKETBALL STANDINGS* UVU WIT UND UTPA HBU CSU 12 10 9 10 9 10 6 16 6 13 2 18 20 21 11 11 02 12 *AS OF JAN 27, 2012 RESERVES from B1 O RO PHOTO BY LANCE LARSEN/UVU REVIEW Senior guard Isiah Williams drives to the basket against Chicago State in the Wolverines' 65-56 over the Cougars. Williams scored 11 of his 13 points in the second half. The Banff Cen re www.banffmountainfestivaLca inspiring creativity February 14th and 15th @ 7:00 PM Utah Valley University in the Ragan Theater TICKETS Available in the OAC Sel 031I 0 per night ors 18 for both nights asp EN THE QUAR RY n DO. CEn rEM 1799 N. STATE Si ORE B01126 . 7499 WWW.HANSENHOUNTAINEUING.COM MO S Want to go to UVU games for FREE? Come write for the UVU REVIEW! UNTAINW ORKS unda ce ting better," Hunsaker said. "He's understanding his role, playing harder and getting more of an edge to his game." Hubbard is beginning to flourish with a little stability. He has had a new coach every year for the past seven seasons dating back to his days at Gallup High in New Mexico. His 7.4 points account for the majority of the reserves' scoring and the bench play is rounded out with sophomore Taylor Brown and senior big man Rory Fannon. "Taylor is still learning," Hunsaker said. "I've settled on him in the rotation, but he has still got to get better." Following the 72-64 win over North Dakota, coach Hunsaker allowed a glimpse into what his expectations for the bench are. "Scoring isn't the only thing that makes a difference," Hunsaker said. "The game ball has got to go to Rory Fannon. He's played extended minutes playing sound and solid with a lot of intelligence and composure. What he did won't show up in the stat box, but smart play and putting yourself in the right position to make plays helps to free other guys up." The 6-9 senior from New Zealand not only provides a big body to spell Ben Aird, but his effort exemplifies the work ethic coach Hunsaker is seeking and shows the underclassmen how to learn their role and do whatever is asked of them. According to Hunsaker, the reserves need to step up and contribute more than the 27 percent of the teams scoring that they currently produce. On average the scoring margin has resulted in a 2.3 point advantage for the Wolverines, putting the burden on the starting five and making the average game a little to close for comfort. "We've tightened up the rotation," Hunsaker said. "The ball is in their court now to produce and we'll need a strong effort each night to give us a little breathing room." n 111111 BOOKSTORE (801)863-8641 TOLL FREE (866)507-5253 www.uvu.eduibookstore Authorized Apple Campus Store Educationally Priced Computers 111121111r EMEMEMEM INEMEMME E =MENOMON EE= -MN *IIMI 0 11 • With every computer purchase you get a FREE printer |