Weber State University Athletics
Weber State University
Idaho State
Women's basketball falls to rival Bengals
2/22/2013 3:47:00 AM | Women's Basketball
POCATELLO, Idaho - The Weber State University women's basketball team came out swinging against rival Idaho State on Thursday night, but it wasn't enough for the Wildcats to avoid a historic loss.
Despite leading for the most of the first 12 minutes and holding even until late in the first half, Weber State fell 68-37 to the Bengals in Big Sky Conference action at Reed Gym.
The loss is Weber State's 44th consecutive setback dating back to a Dec. 10, 2011 win over Cal State Bakersfield at the Dee Events Center, and tied the Wildcats with Sacramento State for the longest streak of consecutive setbacks in league history.
Freshman forward Kalie Matthews led Weber State with eight points and seven rebounds, while freshman point guard Desiree Ramos added seven points for the Wildcats (0-16 Big Sky, 0-25 overall).
The Wildcats got off to a strong start in the first 15 minutes of the game, moving the ball around and getting nearly everyone on the count involved in the offense. The game was tied at 15-15 before Idaho State took advantage of a strong rebounding advantage to go on a 16-4 run to end the half.
Idaho State led 31-19 at the break, and then stomped on the gas to start the second half, eventually leading by as many as 33 before settling for the final margin.
The critical factor in the game came as the Bengals won the rebounding battle 56-31 and outscored the Wildcats 17-7 in second chance points.
Weber State will return home on Feb. 28 to kick off its final two-game homestand of the season against Sacramento State. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. at the Dee Events Center. The Wildcats will wrap up the home portion of its 2012-13 season on March 2 at 8 p.m. against Northern Arizona.
