Wildcats fall to Bengals 59-54 in close home contest

Team	1	2	3	4	F
Idaho St.	17	8	19	15	59
Weber St.	12	10	17	15	54

Idaho St.

Weber St.

OGDEN - Weber State women's basketball fell to Idaho State by a score of 59-54 at Dee Events Center, despite a close contest with four ties and two lead changes throughout the game.

The game began with the Bengals taking an early lead as Kacey Spink capitalized on a steal, converting it into a jumper. Nicole Willardson responded for the Wildcats with a layup assisted by Antoniette Emma-Nnopu, leveling the score at 2-2. Idaho State's Tasia Jordan contributed by making a jumper and later assisting a 3-pointer by Maeva Gauffrenet, pushing the Bengals ahead. Despite the Wildcats' efforts, including a layup by Sydney White and a three-pointer from Willardson, the Bengals held a 17-12 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Idaho State took a slight edge over Weber State, outscoring them 10-8. A layup and 3-pointer helped establish the Bengals momentum. The Wildcats responded with a layup by Fui Niumeitolu and a jumper by Lanae Billy, narrowing the gap. White added a 3-pointer at 3:08, but the Bengals maintained their lead, ending the quarter with a 25-22 advantage.

Idaho State slightly extended its lead over the Wildcats in the third quarter, ending with a 19-17 advantage. White scored early for the Wildcats with a layup, but Idaho State responded with a fastbreak layup. The visitors capitalized on turnovers and fouls, converting two free throws to keep the Bengals ahead. Despite a 3-pointer from Niumeitolu the game was tied shortly at 31. The Bengals then produced a layup at the buzzer to ensure a five-point lead going into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Idaho State maintained its lead, hitting an early 3-pointer to extend its advantage. Willardson responded with a layup to keep the game within reach, and Billy made consecutive 3-pointers, narrowing the gap to just two points with 2:50 left on the clock. Despite a late push, including a 3-pointer from Robbins with three seconds left, the Bengals secured their victory with free throws to ultimately win 59-54.

Wildcat Stats

Weber State was led by Lanae Billy, who totaled 15 points, shooting 3-for-6 from beyond the arc.
Sydney White was also in double-digits with 11 points.
The Wildcats struggled at the free-throw line, converting only 6 of 14 attempts.

Keeping up with the 'Cats

The Wildcats will close out the regular season at home and celebrate senior night against Portland State (Mar. 2).
The Big Sky Basketball Tournament will be held in Boise, Idaho, on March 7-11.
All home and Big Sky games will be streamed on ESPN+.
To stay up to date with the women's basketball team, follow them on Instagram and X.
The Weber State Athletics mobile app enables fans to easily access results, schedules, rosters and news. Available for iPhone and Android users, search "Weber State Wildcats" and download the app today!

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Team Stats

Lanae Billy

Sydney White

Hannah Robbins

Nicole Willardson

Players Mentioned

Lanae Billy

Antoniette Emma-Nnopu

Fui Niumeitolu

Sydney White

Nicole Willardson

Players Mentioned

Lanae Billy

Antoniette Emma-Nnopu

Fui Niumeitolu

Sydney White

Nicole Willardson

Weber State University Athletics