Weber State Wildcats Win Close Battle Against Sacramento State
Feb 16, 2023, 9:59 PM | Updated: 10:01 pm
Weber State guard Steven Verplancken is defended by Utah State forward Sean Bairstow at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum on Monday, December 19. (Photo courtesy of Weber State Athletics)
(Photo courtesy of Weber State Athletics)
SACRAMENTO – The Weber State Wildcats traveled to The Nest on Thursday to take on the Sacramento State Hornets.
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The Wildcats last game was a 5-point loss to the Montana Grizzlies at home. The Hornets last game was a blowout loss to the Northern Colorado Bears on the road.
Sacramento State had lost 5 straight, and 7 of the last 8, heading into the game against the Wildcats.
First Half
Alex Tew opened up scoring for WSU with a layup off an assist from Dillon Jones.
The story was good defense early on. After the first 5 minutes, the score was tied at 5.
Weber State was able to create open looks off of hustle plays. Alex Tew got his way in the paint early. He scored 6 points in the first ten minutes.
Midway through the first half – Wildcats lead 15-13.
— Weber State MBB 🏀 (@WeberStateMBB) February 17, 2023
The Wildcats opened up a 7-point lead after a Zahir Porter jumpshot.
Z jumper and ‘Cats lead 20-13!#WeAreWeber pic.twitter.com/0VqBlLvuDL
— Weber State MBB 🏀 (@WeberStateMBB) February 17, 2023
WSU held onto a multi-possession lead for the next few minutes. With two minutes left in the half, they led 26-20.
Neither team scored in the final minutes of the half. Weber State leads, 26-20.
On top after 20!#WeAreWeber pic.twitter.com/6eYNoliQOa
— Weber State MBB 🏀 (@WeberStateMBB) February 17, 2023
Second Half
Both teams came out of the half with great defense. Only two field goals were scored by each side in the first four minutes.
With 14 minutes left, the Wildcats opened an 8-point lead which was quickly closed down to three after a Sacramento State run.
💪 Alex Tew! #WeAreWeber pic.twitter.com/Awv9JOUflL
— Weber State MBB 🏀 (@WeberStateMBB) February 17, 2023
The Hornets stormed back in the second half to secure their first lead of the game with 9 minutes left in the game.
Dillon Jones hit a jumper to tie it back up.
DJ smooth! #WeAreWeber pic.twitter.com/LkcUuTbaMY
— Weber State MBB 🏀 (@WeberStateMBB) February 17, 2023
The Hornets hopped out in front again and Steven Verplancken Jr. answered with a three.
Stevie V for 3️⃣!#WeAreWeber pic.twitter.com/MjoWlQEuST
— Weber State MBB 🏀 (@WeberStateMBB) February 17, 2023
Dillon Jones got to the line for Weber State and hit one of two, 44-43.
After the teams traded defensive stops, Dillon Jones grabbed an offensive rebound and put it back in for a 3-point lead.
The last minute of the game was mostly free throws. The Hornets hit a big three with 5 seconds left to make it a 1-point game.
The Wildcats were able to pull out the win with made free throws down the stretch. Weber State wins at home, 52-49.
Chandler Holt is a Digital Sports Producer for sports.ksl.com, specializing in all things basketball and football. Follow Chandler on Twitter at @ChandlerHoltKSL.
