'Cats drop first Big Sky game 79-74 at MSU

Weber State saw its nine game winning streak snapped and the Wildcats picked up their first Big Sky loss of the season with a 79-74 defeat at Montana State Thursday night in Bozeman. The loss drops Weber State to 13-4 overall and 8-1 in conference play with a game at conference leader Montana set for Saturday.

The Wildcats held a 40-37 at halftime and the 'Cats held a 45-44 lead with 14:42 remaining. The Bobcats then went on a 17-6 run over the next eight minutes to take a 10-point lead 61-51 and they would never look back.

WSU junior Davion Berry kept the Wildcats alive as he scored 16 points in the final 5:19 of the game, including four three-pointers. The 'Cats cut into Montana State's lead but the Bobcats were a perfect 14-14 from the free throw line in the final minute of play to hold on for the win. MSU finished the game 24-29 for 82 percent from the free throw line, compared to 70 percent shooting for the Wildcats.

Weber State shot 50 percent from the field, compared to 44 percent for the Bobcats, but MSU outrebounded the Wildcats 33-30 and Weber State committed 16 turnovers with only seven for the Bobcats.

“Montana State changed up some things up on us and got us a little bit out of our rhythm in the second half,” said WSU head coach Randy Rahe. “We just didn't play very well in the second half and got a little impatient at times and they out played us. We didn't take care of the ball in the second half and that's something we have to correct. Montana State played a great game.

Berry led the Wildcats with 24 points, just one off his career-high. He was 8-13 from the field and knocked down a career-high six three-pointers. Scott Bamforth added 14 points and made four three-pointers and Kyle Tresnak added 13 points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots.

Montana State improved to 8-9 overall and 5-4 in Big Sky play.

Thursday's game was the first of a four game road trip for Weber State. The Wildcats will take on defending Big Sky champion and current conference leader Montana Saturday night in Missoula. The Grizzlies are 9-0 in league play and have won 20 straight Big Sky games, including a 70-51 win over Idaho State Thursday night.

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Players Mentioned

Davion Berry

Kyle Tresnak

Weber State University Athletics