Weber State does just enough down the stretch in win over Idaho

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OGDEN — What as soon as was a 21-point lead dwindled right down to as little as six earlier than Weber State did what it wanted to do and held on for a 73-65 win over the College of Idaho.

The Wildcats (11-10, 6-2 Large Sky) by no means trailed towards the Vandals (8-14, 2-7 Large Sky) and appeared to be on their technique to a simple blowout win after about half-hour of recreation play. However within the closing 10 minutes of the sport, Idaho went on a 21-6 run to make issues just a little extra attention-grabbing earlier than Weber State’s free throw taking pictures put the sport away.

The primary half began out rapidly for Weber State because the crew made their first three buckets to leap out to a fast 7-0 lead. Head coach Eric Duft’s crew has had blended outcomes this season popping out of the gate in video games, so a quick begin was a welcome one for his crew.

Whereas the visiting crew’s offense seemed robust to begin the sport, it was the crew’s protection that made it clear the Wildcats have been there to play. Idaho boasts two of the highest three scorers within the Large Sky Convention in ahead Isaac Jones and guard Divant’e Moffitt, who common 19.1 factors and 18.6 factors, respectively.

Jones began out with 7 factors early within the recreation however completed with simply 12 factors by the tip. Moffitt struggled to get something within the first half, and most of his scoring got here within the second half throughout Idaho’s run close to the tip of the sport. The star guard completed with 13 factors.

Defensive rotations have been sharp within the first half and the Wildcats typically double-teamed the Vandals’ prime scorers. Whereas it did lead to some extra foul calls than common, Weber State made it tough for Idaho to get something going rhythm-wise within the first half.

Wildcats defenders performed with energetic palms and recorded seven steals and compelled numerous poor, rushed pictures from the house crew’s gamers. Weber State’s Dyson Koehler tied for the crew lead with two steals and was a pest on the defensive finish of the ball all recreation.

The Wildcats have struggled at occasions this season on offense, however within the first half nearly everyone discovered a technique to get on the board — starters and bench gamers alike. With about 4 minutes left to play within the first half, guard Steven Verplancken drove into the lane, stopped and pale away for certainly one of his signature 2-point buckets and had the Wildcats doubled up on the Vandals 32-16.

Backup heart Handje Tamba — not usually identified for scoring — received his solely factors of the evening with a thunderous dunk off an help from guard Junior Ballard. With just some minutes left within the first half, every part clicked for Weber State and the crew led 38-22 on the break.

Each groups got here out of the break with robust efforts, however the Wildcats constructed on their lead with a gradual offense and a continued high quality protection.

Idaho historically takes numerous 3-pointers, however with the massive deficit the Vandals started chucking them up on seemingly each play. After the primary couple of minutes of the half, the Vandals have been 2-of-13 from the 3-point line, and it seemed just like the Wildcats have been going to run away with the sport.

Duft’s crew performed with extra power and energy throughout on the evening. On one possession, Ballard stole the ball and broke downcourt earlier than passing to Verplancken, who shot a 3-pointer from the left nook. He missed, however heart Alex Tew pulled down the offensive rebound and threw a cross to Jones, who then made a fast cross to protect KJ Cunningham in the suitable nook for a made 3-pointer.

At that time, Weber State led 53-32 — the most important lead of the sport — however the Vandals weren’t happening with out a combat.

Idaho’s guard Trey Smith, who hadn’t achieved a lot the entire recreation up till that time, immediately could not miss from behind the arc. Whether or not or not a defender was in his face, Smith made 4 3-pointers in a row to slash the Wildcats’ lead and hearth up his crew. Smith completed as his crew’s main scorer with 17 factors on 5-of-9 taking pictures from deep.

Weber State had gone chilly and issues seemed prefer it would possibly take a flip for the more severe for the guests, however the reigning participant of the week in Jones was capable of calm issues down. Jones completed with a team-high 21 factors, which included taking pictures 12-of-15 from the free-throw line.

After a closer-than-expected win over the Vandals, the third-place Wildcats will proceed the street journey by taking over undefeated Jap Washington on Saturday afternoon.

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