Weber State University Athletics
Weber State University
Montana State
The Need To Know: Wildcats Return To Hardwood To Battle MSU
12/30/2021 5:13:00 PM | Women's Basketball
After starting the season off 4-0 at home, in their last outing the Weber State Wildcats suffered their first loss at the Dee Events Center against the Pacific Tigers in a 75-62 defeat. Against the Montana State Bobcats, the 'Cats will look to get back to business.Â
This season, the 'Cats have shown flashes of excellence. They began the season with a commanding performance against North Dakota and also have beat Omaha and Portland State. Meanwhile, their losses have come against Portland State, Texas Tech, UC Davis, Northern Arizona, and CSU. In their latest showings, WSU fumbled away a large opening quarter lead in the loss to NAU then responded in a big way with their blowout win over the Vikes' before eventually falling to the Rams. In those games, the 'Cats scored 79, 85, and 60 points- it's no coincidence that those high totals came when Daryn Hickok had big nights. She's started the year a bit slower than expected on the offensive end but in those games, she scored 22, 24, and 22 again which has resulted in the Wildcat offense igniting. She's been dominant, but it's also been a by-committee effort from Weber State which means there are many threats on the hardwood when these 'Cats are playing on it.
Wildcats To Watch For
Jadyn Matthews has been flat-out dominant, averaging 13.3 points per game and 8.9 rebounds.Â
Hickok has been busy as well, leading the squad in points with 12.9 along with 7.7 rebounds. Meanwhile, Kori Penzter is also averaging double-digits in scoring, she currently sits at 11.2 points per game.Â
Last but not least, you can expect a notable contribution from Emma Torbert. She's averaging 11.1 points per game and 7.2 rebounds and has scored double figures in 6 of their 11 games.Â
What You Can Expect On Defense
Head Coach Velaida Harris believes that this squad is best when they are engaged on the defensive end and because of that there will be a ton of full-court pressure where typically Hickok or Laura Taylor will pick up the defender no later than after they cross the nearest free throw line. WSU prides itself on their ability to defend in space and make their man defense feel like a zone with how well they play the passing lanes, the team feeds off that brand of basketball with passionate defensive intensity.Â
What You Can Expect On OffenseÂ
Whether it's Matthews, Torbert, or Ava Williams - the 'Cats have found success when residing in the paint. Lurking along the perimeter will be Taylor and Kori Pentzer ready to let a three-point shot fly if given the opportunity while Hickok will attack the basket and typically either get fouled, finish the lay-up or grab an offensive rebound.Â
About Montana State
The Bobcats come in the game boasting a 7-6 record on the year and are 2-0 in conference play.Â
How To Watch
This game will tip-off at 6 P.M. and be streamed on ESPN+.
