Weber State University Athletics
Weber State University
Southern Utah
'Cats open homestand with 65-59 win over SUU
1/19/2014 5:15:00 AM | Men's Basketball
OGDEN – Weber State opened a four-game homestand with a 65-59 win over instate rival Southern Utah Saturday night at the Dee Events Center.
The Wildcats made a season-low 14 field goals but were able to knock down 31 of 43 free throw attempts to secure the win. SUU shot 44 percent from the field compared to just 40 percent for the Wildcats but WSU outrebounded the Thunderbirds 37-20.
SUU held a 32-29 lead at halftime as the Thunderbirds shot 52 percent from the field in the half. Southern Utah led by as many as seven at 43-36 with 13:58 to play but the Wildcats responded with a 12-3 run over the next five minutes to take a three point lead with 8:22 to play. SUU kept the game close throughout the rest of the game but the Wildcats shot 11-14 from the free throw line in the final 3:00 to seal the win. It marked the first time this season the Wildcats have won after trailing at halftime.
“We did not play very well in the first half and Southern Utah put us back on our heels,” said WSU head coach Randy Rahe. “We got going in the second half and got some momentum going. We played more aggressively and started attacking the basket and were able to get to the free throw line and knock down some shots.”
Davion Berry led the Wildcats with a season-high 25 points. The senior was 3-8 from the field and shot 18-23 from the free throw line to go along with four rebounds and four assists. The 23 free throw attempts is a new Weber State school record, breaking the record of 21 set by Rico Washington in 1988. The 18 free throws made ties Harold Arceneaux for the most makes in a game in school history.
Jeremy Senglin added eight points and Joel Bolomboy and Richaud Gittens had seven each. Kyle Tresnak scored six points and had seven rebounds. He also became the 28th player in WSU history to reach 1,000 career points.
Weber State improved to 7-6 overall and 4-1 in Big Sky play. The win was the 21st straight Big Sky regular season home win. SUU fell to 1-14 overall and 0-6 in Big Sky action.
The Wildcats continue their four game homestand Monday night hosting Idaho State at 7 p.m. at the Dee Events Center.
