Weber State University Athletics
Weber State University
Colorado State
The Need To Know: Wildcats In Fort Collins For Clash With Rams
12/7/2021 11:41:00 AM | Women's Basketball
The Weber State Wildcats raised many eyebrows during their 82-57 thumping of the Portland State Vikings and they'll be looking to do the same once again when hosted by the Colorado State Rams on Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 6:00 P.M.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, and Northern Arizona. 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'. In those games, the 'Cats scored 79 points and then 85 - 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 and 24 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
Throughout the first seven games of the season, Jadyn Matthews has been flat-out dominant. She is leading WSU in both scoring and rebounding, averaging 14.6 points per game and 8.9 rebounds. Against PSU, Matthews scored 17 points and pulled down 7 boards.Â
Hickok has been busy as well, averaging 13.6 points per game and 7.9 boards. Meanwhile, Kori Penzter has been flirting with averaging double-digits in scoring, she currently sits at 9.6 points per game.
Last but not least, you can expect a notable contribution from Emma Torbert. Her averages have slipped a bit which don't tell the numbers of the flashes of dominance she's shown this season - she's averaging 10.3 points per game and 6.9 rebounds and has scored double figures in 4 of their 7 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 CSU
The Rams come into this game scorching hot, they hold a record of 7-1 and their lone loss has come against Louisville who at the time was ranked 10th in the nation.
How To Watch
Tip-off will be at 6 P.M. and the game will be streamed on the Mountain West Network.
