by Zachary Knecht
Featured Image: Photo by Weber State Athletics
Weber State Sacramento State Preview
The Wildcats’ road trip will continue as Weber State heads to face the Sacramento State Hornets in one of their season’s toughest challenges. Weber State will look to snap their ten-game losing streak, but they will have their work cut out for them against the Big Sky’s top team.
The ‘Cats enter play with a 4-14 record, 0-6 in the conference, against Sacramento State’s whopping 14-3 record, 5-1 against conference opponents.
Who to Watch
In this game, the Wildcats will see just how far Daryn Hickok and Jadyn Matthews can carry them. The dynamic duo played well in their previous showdown against Portland State Thursday, and they will need to take over again for their team to have any shot in this one. Hickok has been the offensive savant of this roster with her 17.8 PPG, while Matthews can dominate both ends of the floor, averaging 13.9 PPG and 8.4 rebounds.
The duo on the Hornets’ end of the court is horrifying for Weber State’s defense. Kahlaijah Dean and Isnelle Natabou have dominated opponents all season, and they will look to terrorize the ‘Cats as well. Dean is the offensive leader for Sacramento State with her incredible 20.8 PPG, while Natabou is a walking double-double, getting 15.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per night.
These two duos have similar dynamics, but the Hornets’ pair has been the cream of the crop all year.
Stellar Defense
Aside from their top options, the Hornets don’t have a lot of offensive firepower. Weber State will need to take advantage of this. In a game that has all the makings of a low-scoring contest, the ‘Cats need to be on their A-game defensively to prevent this from being a blowout. Sacramento State averages 67.2 PPG, and the Wildcats’ defense allows 68. Weber State’s defense will need to play as they did early on this year to slow down their top conference opponent.
Serviceable Offense
If the defense can play adequately, the offense just needs to be serviceable. Hickok and Matthews were essentially all the offensive production in Thursday’s game, and they will need to replicate their performance to give their team a chance. The duo scored 46 points against Portland State, and they can sure use another offensive outburst like that.
Currently, Weber State is ninth in the Big Sky with a measly 60.4 PPG, while Sacramento State sports a stout defense that only allows 58.6 PPG. It’s a tough ask, but this offense needs to step their game up.
Game Time
The Wildcats will play at The Nest at 2 pm MST, where they pray to take down the avenger-level threat in Sacramento State.
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