Weber State University Athletics
Weber State University
Northern Arizona
Wildcats claw back to win thriller at NAU
3/2/2014 4:10:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Kalie Matthews made a free throw with .2 left in the game to cap off the first Weber State women's basketball road win in 54 tries, ending the game on a 17-3 run to get the 74-73 win over NAU.
With 4:39 left in the contest, the Wildcats trailed the Lumberjacks, 70-56. That's when Matthews and sophomore guard Regina Okoye took over, pulling the Cats back into the game.
Matthews had the ball at the left elbow as time ran down with the game tied at 73. Matthews turned around and put up a jump shot, getting fouled on the play as the buzzer went off. Originally it was ruled that time had run out.
Upon further review, .2 was put back on the clock and Matthews was put on the free throw line. Matthews drained the first free throw but missed the second. When the ball was rebounded by NAU, the clock hit zeroes and the game was over.
Weber State had four players in double figures led by sophomore center Jalen Carpenter who scored 14 points. Both Matthews and senior forward Amanda Hughes scored 13 and Okoye added 10.
Both teams shot well in the game, the Wildcats shooting 48 percent to the Lumberjacks' 47 percent. The Wildcats won the battle of the boards, outrebounding NAU, 38-33.
The Cats also took massive advantage in two pivotal categories. Weber State outscored Northern Arizona, 23-3, in second chance points. Also, the Wildcat bench outscored NAU's, 32-8.
Weber State never had a bigger lead than two points, but it was the lead when the buzzer sounded that mattered.
Weber State picked up its third conference win of the season with the victory and will return home Thursday night to host Portland State at 7 p.m.
