Wildcats fall 71-69 at Sacramento State

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Weber State saw its six-game winning streak come to an end as the Wildcats fell 71-69 at Sacramento State Thursday night in the Nest.

The Wildcats rallied from double-digit deficits in both halves but could never take the lead as the Hornets beat Weber State for the first time in nearly four years.

Steven Verplancken was the bright spot for the Wildcats as he scored a career-high 30 points. Verplancken was 11 of 13 from the field and a career-best 6 of 8 from 3-point range.

Sacramento State jumped out to a quick 18-6 lead and the Wildcats would never lead the rest of the way.

Weber State rallied with a 12-2 run and cut the lead to 28-25 as Verplancken was a perfect 6 of 6 from the field and 3 of 3 from 3-point range in the first half.

Sacramento State led 35-30 at halftime and then scored the first seven points of the second half and led by 12 early on.

Weber State rallied again and cut with a big run and cut the lead to two points four times the rest of the way but could never take the lead.

The Wildcats shot 51 percent from the field, compared to 48 percent for the Hornets but Sacramento State outrebounded Weber State 36-25 and had 18 second-chance points.

Verplancken made his first seven shots, including his first four 3-pointers. He had 15 points in each half. He was also 2-2 from the free throw line and added five rebounds.

Dillon Jones added 18 points with seven rebounds, five assists and two steals.

WSU played without junior center Alex Tew who missed the game due to illness.

The Wildcats continue their road trip Saturday afternoon at Portland State. Tipoff is at 4 p.m. Pacific time (5 p.m. Mountain time).

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Team Stats

Steven Verplancken

Dillon Jones

KJ Cunningham

Blaise Threatt

Players Mentioned

Dillon Jones

Alex Tew

Steven Verplancken

Weber State University Athletics