Weber opens up Big Sky play with big win over Idaho State


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OGDEN — Weber State opened up conference play with a bang as they dominated Idaho State in a 56-77 wire-to-wire victory at the Dee Events Center Saturday night.

On a night that the Wildcats struggled from the three-point line, going just 5-of-21 from behind the arc, the team relied on their bigs to get the job done.

Star forward Joel Bolomboy came out strong and never let up, finishing the game with 25 points and 13 rebounds. Bolomboy is currently ranked third in the country in rebounds per game and first in the nation in double-doubles.

Bolomboy did his damage early in the game, finishing the first half with 19 points and nine rebounds. Bolomboy shot 6-of-7 from the field in the half.

"On paper, we were a little bigger," said Bolomboy. "But when a team comes in, anything can happen. I think we played as a team and executed exactly the way coach (Randy) Rahe wanted us to."

Bolomboy had help off the bench in the form of freshman forward Zach Braxton, who scored all of his 11 points in the second half of the game to help Weber keep a comfortable lead over Idaho State in the second half.

Braxton has started for the Wildcats as a freshman this year and has had his ups and downs. Head coach Randy Rahe spoke about Braxton's progression as a player after the game.

"He is just getting better," said Rahe of Braxton. "Every game I have seen a little bit more improvement. He is a hard-working kid and a tremendous teammate. He is tough and I love tough."

The Weber State defense did not allow Idaho State to get in any rhythm as the Wildcats held the Bengals to 32-percent from the floor and only eight percent from three. Weber also forced 13 turnovers and capitalized on them, scoring 18 points off those turnovers.

"The defense is what won the game for us," said Rahe. "We played well, other than making the shot. We missed a lot of open shots. On nights like that, you need to rely on defense and rebounding, and I thought the kids did a good job."

Weber guard Jeremy Senglin caught an elbow as he was defending Idaho State guard Ethan Telfair. Senglin walked quickly off the floor as blood spilled from a significant gash above his left eye.

Senglin would return to the game later in the half after being patched up by team physicians. Rahe commented on the effect the injury had on the team.

"Our guys got a little excited," Rahe said. "I didn't mind them getting a little excited. I thought the kids after that did a good job of keeping their composure and playing hard."

The victory Saturday night moves Weber State to 9-5 overall on the season and is the fifth straight victory at home for the Wildcats. The game was also Rahe's 300th game at Weber State.

The Wildcats look to take the momentum of their 1-0 start to conference play into next Thursday, as they face North Dakota State at the Dee Events Center.


Mark Douglas is currently covering Weber State football and basketball for KSL.com. Contact him at markdouglasmail@gmail.com or on Twitter @marktweetsports.

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