Seattle, WA -- (Sports Network) - Luke Nevill scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the Utah Utes to a 77-64 victory over the High Point Panthers in the first round of the West Regional of the NIT Season Tip-Off.

Kim Tillie added 12 points off the bench for Utah (2-0), while Stephen Weigh and Johnnie Bryant also posted double-figures, netting 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Arizona Reid paced High Point (0-1) with 19 points and 10 boards, while Mike Jefferson chipped in 17 points in the setback.

The Utes only shot 42.3 percent from the floor in the opening half, but were still able to take a slim 32-28 lead into the break.

Utah exploded in the second stanza, shooting a sizzling 66.7 percent from the field en route to the 13-point victory.

The Utes dominated the glass in the contest, out rebounding the Panthers, 34-20.

With the victory Utah will now move to face Washington tomorrow night for the West Regional Championship.