OREM, Utah—Guard Josh Vaughan had career highs of 27 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, but North Dakota State lost its men’s basketball opener 80-72 at Utah Valley on Friday, Nov. 13, before a crowd of 2,275 at the McKay Events Center.

Vaughan was 11-for-20 from the floor and made three of NDSU’s five 3-pointers.  He also had three steals for the Bison.

North Dakota State shot 41 percent from the floor and was 19-for-25 at the foul line.  Forward Michael Tveidt was the only other Bison in double figures with 19 points.

Utah Valley forward Justin Baker had 10 of his 19 points in the first half and Jordan Swarbrick led the Wolverines with 20 points and nine rebounds.

North Dakota State had a 35-32 lead at halftime, but Utah Valley started the second half on a 15-2 run.  Jourdain Scoubes capped the run with a 3-pointer to give UVU its biggest lead of the night, 47-37, with 16:32 left.

The Bison got within four points twice in the final 39 seconds on a pair of Vaughan layups, but Utah Valley made 9 of its last 10 free throws, including four by Swarbrick in the final 23 seconds.

NDSU had a 36-34 edge in rebounds led by Vaughan’s seven and six apiece from Dejuan Flowers and Eric Carlson.

North Dakota State is scheduled to host Minot State in the regular-season home opener at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18.