Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
OGDEN – The Westlake Thunder relied on tough defense and a fast pace to secure a 70-51 victory over the Weber Warriors in the opening round of the Class 5A boys basketball tournament Tuesday.
The game was tightly contested throughout the first half with each team trading buckets. Westlake eventually pulled ahead in the second quarter and took a slim 29-25 lead into halftime.
Westlake's Asa McCord had a strong first half with nine points and five rebounds. Weber's Connor Shaw also had a strong showing with eight points and shooting 2-of-3 from the 3-point line.
The third period was all Westlake. The Thunder came out aggressive and quickly went on a 15-2 run. Maizen Fausett was huge in the third quarter for Westlake, scoring nine points and coming up with a couple of key steals and a very athletic block on a corner 3-point attempt by Weber.
Westlake kept up the defensive pressure and fast pace of play in the fourth to extend the lead to 19 late in the quarter. Weber fought to cut into the sizeable Westlake lead, but it was unable to gain any ground as Westlake would cruise to a double-digit victory.
"In the first half they got to the offensive boards," said Westlake head coach Nate Carling. "We strung a few stops together, and when we can get a few stops, our offense really gets going."
Fausett posted a ridiculous stat line with 17 points, seven rebounds, three assists, five blocks and four steals. Fausett was a monster on the defensive end, getting into passing lanes and changing shots with his athleticism.
"Fausett got his hands on a lot of basketballs," said Carling. "He had blocked shots, deflections and steals. He really influenced the game."
McCord led all Westlake scorers with 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting and was one rebound shy of a double-double with nine.
Westlake won the battle of the paint, outscoring Weber inside 38-22. Fausett and McCord did most of their damage in the restricted zone and Weber could not find an answer for them.
The Westlake defense was highly effective at slowing down the Weber offense, holding the Warriors to just 33 percent from the field and 25 percent from 3-point range.
Weber had a solid contribution from senior forward Spencer Campbell, who finished the game with 13 points, seven rebounds, three steals and a blocked shot. Campbell carried the load for Weber late, during its comeback bid. He scored 11 of his 13 points in the second half.
The loss is the end of a very good season for the Warriors, who finish the season with a record of 19-4.
Westlake moves to 18-6 on the year and now advances to the quarterfinals Thursday. Mark Douglas covers Weber State football and basketball for KSL.com. Contact him at markdouglasmail@gmail.com or on Twitter @marktweetsports.
