Weber State University Athletics
Weber State University
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Portland State
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Historic night as Wildcats beat Vikings 87-78
2/14/2016 5:46:00 AM | Men's Basketball
OGDEN - It was an historic night at the Dee Events Center Saturday night. Weber State defeated Portland State 87-78 to win its 11th straight home game and improve to 10-2 in Big Sky play. With the win, WSU head coach Randy Rahe became the Big Sky's all-time leader in conference wins. And to add to the night, Weber State retired the jersey of the school's all-time leader Bruce Collins.
First to the game, the Wildcats never trailed in the game and jumped out to a quick start, leading by nine points nine minutes into the game. They extended their lead to 14 at halftime after shooting 67 percent and making nine 3-pointers in the first half.
Portland State slowly chipped away at the lead in the second half and cut it to two points at 73-71 with 3:35 to play. But the Wildcats responded with a 13-4 run over the next three minutes and knocked down 10 free throws in the final few minutes to seal the win.
The 'Cats shot 57 percent from the field for the game and made nine 3-pointers with all of them coming in the first half. WSU also outrebounded PSU 34-28.
Jeremy Senglin led Weber State with 24 points and six rebounds while knocking down three 3-pointers. Joel Bolomboy had his 22nd double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds and Ryan Richardson added 14 points with four 3-pointers.
“I”m proud of the way the guys hung in and found a way to win,” Rahe said. “We didn't defend like we've been doing but sometimes you have to find a way and we were able to do that. We had good poise down the stretch and were able to make the plays we needed down the stretch.”
Coach Rahe reached two milestones in the win. He won his 200th career game at Weber State and also reached 124 Big Sky Conference wins, becoming the conference's all-time leader in Big Sky wins. Rahe is in his 10th season at Weber State and has led the Wildcats to four Big Sky Championships.
“It means I've been here a long time,” he said in reference to the milestones. “I've been extremely fortunate to have coached some really good players and have had a phenomenal staff and this is 'about them more than me. We try to bring in high-character kids here and prepare them for life and that's what we've been able to do.”
At halftime of tonight's game, Weber State retired the jersey of former Wildcat great Bruce Collins. Collins played four years at Weber State (1976-80) and started all 120 games of his career. He still ranks as Weber State's career leader in scoring with 2,019 points.
Weber State moves to 18-7 overall and 10-2 in Big Sky play. The 'Cats are back on the road for two games next week, playing at Southern Utah Thursday and at Northern Arizona Saturday. WSU has just two home games remaining as they'll host Montana State Feb. 25 and league-leading Montana Feb. 27.
