Weber State University Athletics
Weber State University
Eastern Washington
The Need To Know: Wildcats Set To Continue Road Trip Against EWU
1/15/2022 10:22:00 AM | Women's Basketball
The once red-hot Wildcats have now cooled off a bit after a couple of injuries have damped productivity, but against Eastern Washington, they'll be looking to get back on track. WSU is currently 2-3 in their last five games but the bigger picture will show that they've won 4 of their last 7 which includes victories over both Montana State and Montana. In their latest outing, the now 7-8, (3-3) Wildcats came up short as they battled the Idaho Vandals without Emma Torbert and Ava Williams.Â
In their three games leading up to their battle with Idaho, they've received special outings from not only Daryn Hickok who torched MSU for 28 points along with 9 rebounds but also Kori Pentzer who gave Montana a 20-point showcase and of course Emma Torbert who poured in 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds against ISU. In that game against the Bengals, Jadyn Matthews made her presence felt as well as she scored 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.Â
There's no surprise that each of them resides in the next section.Â
Wildcats To Watch For
Hickok currently leads the team in scoring with 13.3 points per outing and she also pulls down 7.6 rebounds per game.Â
Matthews has been dominant as well, averaging 12.4 points per game along with 9.3 rebounds.
If available, Torbert will be a factor. She's up to 11.6 points and is grabbing 7.5 rebounds per game. She's finished with double figures in 10 of the 14 games she's played in.Â
Kori Pentzer is now averaging 11.2 points per game and is the team leader in minutes each game.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 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 EWU
The Vandals have struggled to find their footing so far this season as they come into the afternoon with a record of 2-11 and are 0-4 in conference play.Â
How To Watch
This game will tip-off at 3 P.M. MT in Cheney, WA, and be streamed on ESPN+.
