Weber State University Athletics
Weber State University
Northern Colorado
Lillard scores 35 to lead 'Cats to another win
2/5/2012 4:08:00 AM | Men's Basketball
OGDEN, Utah --- It has been quite the week for Damian Lillard. The nation's leading scorer followed his 40 points Thursday night with a 35 point showing Saturday evening as Weber State beat Northern Colorado 92-81 at the Dee Events Center. The win moves Weber State to 18-4 overall and 10-1 in Big Sky action.
Weber State never trailed in the game and posted 54 points in the first half, their highest first half total this season. The 'Cats shot 60 percent from the field in the first half, including 7-12 shooting from the three-point line. They led by as many as 26 points in the second half and Northern Colorado never got closer than 12 points.
Lillard finished the night 12-18 from the field, including 5-9 from three-point land. He was also 6-10 from the free throw line and posted a game-high five assists along with three rebounds and two steals. Lillard scored 15 straight for the Wildcats during one stretch of the second half.
For the two games Lillard averaged 37.5 points and five assists per game. He was 25-36 from the field for two games for 69 percent shooting and was 11-17 from the three-point line.
The nation's leading scorer is now averaging 25.5 points per game and Saturday moved passed 1,700 career points, becoming the second player in WSU history to do so. It was the seventh time this season he has scored 30 or more points in a game.
Weber State shot 53 percent from the field for the game with the Bears shooting 49 percent. Northern Colorado outrebounded the Wildcats 39-25. The 25 rebounds is the second fewest in a game for the 'Cats this season. The 'Cats did commit just six turnovers.
"I was really pleased with our effort and I thought we played a great game as a team," said WSU head coach Randy Rahe. "Obviously Damian was terrific again tonight and we were very aggressive and played strong team defense."
Tate Unruh had 17 points to lead five players in double figures for the Bears (7-15, 2-7), who suffered their fifth loss in six games.
"Damian is a tremendous kid and even a better player," said Northern Colorado head coach B.J. Hill. He doesn't have weaknesses, he has tendencies. You're not going to stop him; you have to try the best you can to contain him."
Scott Bamforth added 18 points, six rebounds and five assists for the Wildcats.
The Wildcats won their 14th straight home game and improved to 13-0 at home this season. Saturday's game was the 700th Big Sky regular season game for Weber State.
With the win the Wildcats did clinch a spot into the Big Sky postseason tournament.
The 'Cats will hit the road and play at Northern Arizona next Thursday before returning home to host Eastern Washington next Saturday. The 'Cats have just two regular season home games remaining.
