Weber State University Athletics
Weber State University
17-15
North Dakota
25-8
Wildcats win OT thriller advance to Big Sky finals
3/12/2016 4:50:00 AM | Men's Basketball
RENO, Nev. - Jeremy Senglin's 31-points lifted Weber State to a thrilling 83-78 overtime win Friday over North Dakota to advance to the championship game of the Big Sky Tournament. The Big Sky final against No. 2 Montana will be Saturday at 6:45 p.m. Mountain time and will be televised on ESPNU.
Senglin scored 31 points and made seven 3-pointers, including one with 12 seconds left in regulation that forced overtime. He then hit another three with 59 seconds left that gave Weber State a six point lead. UND cut the lead to one with 11 seconds left before the Wildcats made four free throws in the final 10 seconds to seal the win.
“I was so proud of our guys for making plays and finding a way tonight,” said WSU head coach Randy Rahe. “It wasn't pretty but they made some plays when they needed to. Our guys have toughness and fight and never said die. We're excited to have a chance to play tomorrow.”
The Wildcats shot 47 percent from the field, compared to 43 percent for the Fighting Hawks. Weber State also knocked down 14 3-pointers. UND outrebounded the Wildcats 39-32 and WSU had 17 turnovers.
Senglin was 10 of 19 from the field, including 7 of 12 from 3-point land for his 31 points, the second most points in a Big Sky Tournament game in WSU history. He also added four assists and three rebounds while playing 41 minutes.
Joel Bolomboy had 17 points and set a WSU Big Sky Tournament record with 19 rebounds. It was his 25th double-double of the season, the most in a season in Weber State history.
McKay Cannon added 12 points on four 3-pointers and Richaud Gittens had eight points and knocked down two 3-pointers.
Quinton Hooker led North Dakota with 38 points.
The win moves Weber State to 25-8 on the year, the eighth time in school history reaching 25 wins. The 'Cats have won 25 or more in three of the last five years.
Weber State advances to its 16th Big Sky Championship game and the fourth time in the last five years. The Wildcats will take on Montana Saturday with the winner heading to the NCAA Tournament. Saturday's championship game will begin at 6:45 p.m. Mountain time and will be televised nationally on ESPNU.
