The Boylen era got off to a thrilling start down under, as the Utes erased a 16 point second half deficit on their way to a 97-96 win over the Perth, Wildcats.
Stephen Weigh led the team with 32 points, while Nevill added 16 points and 8 rebounds. Both Weigh and Nevill are from Australia and were playing in front a large group of friends and family members. Utah's leading rebounder was Kim Tillie, who finished with 10 boards and 10 points. Shaun Green had 17 points and 8 rebounds in only 20 minutes of play brought on by foul trouble.
The final 8 minutes of the game saw a back and forth affair, as the Utes and Wildcats traded buckets before Johnnie Bryant drove the length of the floor for a layup with 2 seconds left. Perth's desperate three as time expired missed and the Utes held on for the 97-96 victory.
The Utes will face Perth Saturday, then leave for Sydney.
The Perth Wildcats are a professional basketball team in the National Basketball League. Last season they finished with a record of 23-10, losing in the quarterfinals to the Cairns Taipans.