Utah Valley to Face North Dakota State in Alabama on Thanksgiving Day

Utah Valley Wolverines Face North Dakota State in Samford Thanksgiving Invitational Finale

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The Utah Valley Wolverines are set to compete against North Dakota State (NDSU) on Thanksgiving Day, wrapping up their participation in the Samford Thanksgiving Invitational. The game follows a challenging 84-76 defeat to Samford, where the Wolverines showcased resilience by leading for most of the match before succumbing to a late-game surge. Dominick Nelson stood out for Utah Valley, scoring a game-high 21 points, while Carter Welling and Trevan Leonhardt contributed with solid performances, including Welling’s second consecutive double-double.

The Wolverines began the tournament with a thrilling 77-74 victory over West Georgia, powered by a late 12-2 run. Welling’s commanding presence was felt again, boasting a career-high 21 points along with 11 rebounds, helping to secure Utah Valley’s fourth win of the season.

With a demanding travel schedule, Utah Valley will be on the road for over a month, covering 15,180 miles across seven non-conference games. Following their matchup with NDSU, the team looks ahead to their next home game on December 11 against North Dakota.

NDSU enters the game with a 4-4 record, fresh off a 73-61 win against West Georgia. The Bison showcased their shooting prowess, hitting 15 three-pointers in their last game and led by sophomore Noah Feddersen, who recorded 17 points and nine rebounds.

Historically, the two teams are evenly matched, with NDSU holding a slight 5-4 advantage in their overall series. Their most recent meeting in 2019 resulted in a 68-62 victory for Utah Valley, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting contest in Birmingham. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and through radio stations in Utah County and Salt Lake City.

Source
Photo credit gouvu.com