WNCC men drop season opener to Utah Valley

The Western Nebraska Community College men opened up its basketball season on the short end of a 64-59 loss to Utah Valley State College at the Rockies Challenge at Salt Lake Community College Thursday afternoon.

The Cougars trailed 28-24 at halftime and tied the game at 40 in the second half, but a late Utah Valley surge helped the Wolverines to the win.

The difference in the game was shooting. Utah Valley shot 42 percent from the field while the Cougars shot just 33 percent. Brandon Key led the Cougars in scoring with 15 points, including six rebounds. Key was the only Cougar player to score in
double figures.

Utah Valley placed three players in double figures led by Jim Hanchett with 21 points, Jamaal Brown with 19 and Ronnie Price with 11. WNCC will next be in action this afternoon at 3 p.m. against Snow College.

WNCC 24 35 — 59
Utah Valley 28 36 — 64

WNCC
Golden Corner 7, Ryan Thompson 7, Brandon Key 15, Rodrigo Segantim 3, Joao Batista 8, RaShaun Broadus 5, Damarcus Foster 2, Tony Helton 3, Brad Ryan 4, Olivier Haranga 5. Totals: 26 12-19 — 59