by Zachary Knecht
Featured Image: Photo by Weber State Athletics
The Weber State Wildcats have been free-falling on their way to a six-game losing streak, but they look to get back in the win column Saturday against the Idaho State Bengals. The Wildcats hope to spoil the Bengals’ untarnished conference (2-0) and home (3-0) records and stay competitive in the Big Sky Conference, where they find themselves at the bottom of the standings.
Despite what the records say, the Wildcats match up pretty well against the Bengals, and knocking off an undefeated conference opponent could be what the doctor ordered to get Weber State back on the saddle.
Offensive Resilience
Saturday afternoon’s game won’t be a walk in the park for the Wildcats as the Bengals have the 19th-ranked scoring defense in the country (54.6 PPG). Idaho State has only allowed more than 65 points in one contest this season against the USC Trojans in just their second game of the season. Other than that, every game has been low scoring, and they have relied heavily on their defense as they have yet to put up a 70-point performance.
It won’t be easy, but the Wildcats have some weapons on offense who can take over once they’re hot. Daryn Hickok and Jadyn Matthews have continued to be the backbone of this offensive attack, displaying 17.6 and 13.7 PPG, respectively. Hickok is coming off a 28-point performance and will aim to continue the hot hand at Idaho State.
Emma Torbert and Laura Taylor have also shown they can be reliable scorers with their 17.6 combined points per night. Torbert has impressed offensively since her return, and Taylor has been a sniper from range who makes this offense more dynamic.
The Bengals average only 55.7 points per game, led by Callie Bourne’s 12.5 PPG. Finley Garnett and Laura Bello have also been solid scoring options with 21.5 combined points per contest, but the scoring depth drops off from there, which may allow the ‘Cats to hang around in this one.
Keep Them Away from the Line
Against a team that struggles offensively like the Bengals, the last thing Weber State wants to do is give them chances at the free-throw line, especially since Idaho State won’t let the Wildcats there often. The Bengals are only allowing opposing teams to get to the line 16.4 times per game, while the ‘Cats see opponents there 23.8 times. Weber State needs to play clean and prevent giving the Bengals free opportunities at points. Make them earn it.
Ball Security
Winning the turnover battle may very well win this game. Both of these teams struggle to maintain possession of the ball. The Wildcats turn the ball over 20.8 times per game to the 19.5 of the Bengals. Mistakes have hurt both rosters in the early season and will likely be the reason for one of these teams walking away with an L Saturday.
The Wildcats will head to Reed Gym as the Bengals will host the Saturday afternoon game at 2:00 p.m. MST.