Weber State University Athletics
Wildcats pick up first Big Sky road win at NAU
1/8/2026 8:42:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Weber State had five players in double figures in 78-65 win.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Five Wildcats scored in double figures, and Weber State knocked down a season-high 13 3-pointers to pick up its first Big Sky road win of the season with a 78-65 victory over Northern Arizona Thursday night at the Walkup Skydome.
There were six lead changes and five ties in the first half, but Weber State closed the half on a 17-7 run and held a 42-31 lead at the break.
The Wildcats never trailed in the second half, but NAU did cut the lead to two points on two occasions. The 'Cats led 59-57 with 8:37 remaining when they went on a 19-6 run over the next seven minutes to seal the win.
Weber State knocked down a season-high 13 3-pointers and finished 13 of 29 from 3-point range.
The Wildcats also had a season-low five turnovers. WSU shot 46 percent from the field and held NAU to 43 percent, and won the rebounding battle 39-34.
Viljami Vartiainen led the 'Cats with 16 points and four 3-pointers, and Tijan Saine Jr. added 15 points with four assists. Nigel Burris had 11 points off the bench, and Jace Whiting and Malek Gomma each had 10.
Weber State is now 2-1 in Big Sky play. The 'Cats will continue this road trip at Northern Colorado on Saturday at 6 p.m. in Greeley.
There were six lead changes and five ties in the first half, but Weber State closed the half on a 17-7 run and held a 42-31 lead at the break.
The Wildcats never trailed in the second half, but NAU did cut the lead to two points on two occasions. The 'Cats led 59-57 with 8:37 remaining when they went on a 19-6 run over the next seven minutes to seal the win.
Weber State knocked down a season-high 13 3-pointers and finished 13 of 29 from 3-point range.
The Wildcats also had a season-low five turnovers. WSU shot 46 percent from the field and held NAU to 43 percent, and won the rebounding battle 39-34.
Viljami Vartiainen led the 'Cats with 16 points and four 3-pointers, and Tijan Saine Jr. added 15 points with four assists. Nigel Burris had 11 points off the bench, and Jace Whiting and Malek Gomma each had 10.
Weber State is now 2-1 in Big Sky play. The 'Cats will continue this road trip at Northern Colorado on Saturday at 6 p.m. in Greeley.
Players Mentioned
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