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OGDEN — The Wildcats played host to the UVU Wolverines Saturday night in an in-state rivalry game between two teams looking to make a statement.
The Wildcats spoke louder, as they shot a blistering 12-of-21 from three and cruised to a 93-85 victory over UVU. Weber dominated the second half, scoring 52 points on 61 percent shooting.
“This win gives us a lot of confidence,” said Weber State guard Jeremy Senglin. “Utah Valley is a really good team, and to be able to close out a game is a relief. We had a couple games that we did not close and we let slip away, but we were finally able to get the monkey off our back.”
Senglin led the charge in the second half, taking control of the game and forcing the Wolverine defense to scramble every time he touched the ball. Senglin looked unstoppable, hitting three 3-pointers in the span of just three minutes near the end of the second half.
“It felt good doing that for my team, but I couldn’t have done it without them,” said Senglin. “They were getting me open from the screens and so the shots were going in, and when that happens I just keep shooting and trust that they are going to keep going in.”
Senglin finished the game with 27 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Senglin went 9 of 15 from the field and racked in six 3-pointers in the game.
Weber also had huge contributions from every player that stepped on the court. Four players finished with double figures in scoring, and every player that checked into the game scored.
“Jeremy played terrific,” said head coach Randy Rahe. “But I thought that we had really good contributions from a lot of guys. Everybody that played I thought contributed in a positive way. So our guys really earned this one because they worked hard this week.”
The first half was very tightly contested, with each team going on runs. The first half saw nine lead changes and eight ties. Each team struggled to slow the offense of the other, as both teams shot over 50 percent from the field. Weber took a slim three-point lead into the locker room at the end of the first half.
UVU tied up the game at 41 coming out of the half, but never took the lead for the remainder of the game. Both teams played at a scorching pace, running up and down the court to get ahead of the defense.
The Wolverines kept the game close behind the talented big man duo of Zach Nelson and Isaac Neilson. UVU punished WSU inside the paint, outscoring Weber 48-32 from inside. The Wolverines were within four before Senglin took over and put the game out of reach.
Weber State forward Kyndahl Hill had a big night as well, finishing with 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a blocked shot on the night. Hill has been solid for Rahe all season and came up big again Saturday night.
Hill hit four clutch free-throws at the end of the game as UVU tried to make a run. Hill was perfect from the line on the night, going 8 of 8.
“It is really important for our team to go up there and knock them down,” said Hill. “I am just helping my team by stepping to the line and hitting them in the clutch.”
The win moves Weber State to 4-6 on the season, with another in-state rivalry game on Dec. 21 versus the Utah State Aggies. The Wildcats then go on to open conference play on Dec. 29 on the road against Montana State. Mark Douglas covers Weber State football and basketball for KSL.com. Contact him at markdouglasmail@gmail.com or on Twitter @marktweetsports.
