Wildcats Advance to 3-1 In Conference Play

On a frigid day in Ogden, Kori Pentzer torched the Grizzlies for 20 points on 7-10 shooting from the field en route to a 66-56 Weber State victory.

Head Coach Velaida Harris and the Wildcats have a high level of pride in their defense, it's their philosophy, calling card, and identity; on Saturday it was on full display after an opening quarter that left Montana with just four points. In the first 10 minutes of action, WSU allowed those points off of just 1-10 shooting and also forced 9 turnovers. Meanwhile, on the other end of the floor, the Wildcat offense was receiving contributions from the hands of Pentzer; she finished the opening frame in double figures.

Although they were still competing on the defensive end, the Montana Grizzlies eventually began to see shots fall. But the Wildcats kept at it on the offensive end as Daryn Hickok went on a mini 4-0 run; when the half came to an end WSU led 35-23. Pentzer was leading all scorers with 14 points while Hickok and Ava Williams added in 6 points apiece.

Despite their opening half success, basketball is a game of runs and Montana began to throw their best shots at the 'Cats and were able to trim the lead to 46-40 heading into the final frame. The Wildcats were defending with high effort but had only scored 11 points over the course of the quarter. Those offensive woes quickly vanished when Emma Torbert returned in the fourth.

Torbert had been in foul trouble throughout the game but as a token of her trust, Coach Harris put her back on the floor to start the quarter despite Torbert having four fouls. In response to Coach V's faith, Torbert finished the quarter without picking up a single foul and also added eight points, including two vital three-pointers to help build the Wildcats lead.

In the end, Weber State held Montana to just 18-56 shooting from the field and 3-14 from beyond the arc which helped guide them to a 66-56 win. Penzter led all scorers with 20 as Hickok pitched in 11 points and 7 rebounds while Torbert 10 points and 5 boards.

The Wildcats are now 7-6 overall, 3-1 in Big Sky play, and 6-1 at the Dee Events Center. Next, they'll wrap up their home stretch a visit from Idaho State on Saturday, Jan. 8 at 1 P.M. on ESPN+.

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Team Stats

Kori Pentzer

Daryn Hickok

Emma Torbert

Jadyn Matthews

Players Mentioned

Daryn Hickok

Kori Pentzer

Emma Torbert

Ava Williams

Players Mentioned

Daryn Hickok

Kori Pentzer

Emma Torbert

Ava Williams

Weber State University Athletics