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 Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information.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 Weber State Wildcats were home against the Mountaineers of Western State looking for their first win of the season.
They got it in convincing fashion, 89-62.
"We just haven't put two ends together," said Head Coach Randy Rahe. The Wildcats, who haven't been able play a solid game on both ends of the floor finally put two-and-two together.
The Wildcats were led by Damian Lillard with 20 points, shooting 6 of 10 from the field and 2 of 3 from behind the three-point line. The Wildcats had offense from almost every single player on the court with five Wildcats in double figures.
Nick Hansen had 14 points on an almost perfect night of shooting, going 4 of 5 from the field, all of which were behind the three. Hansen, who helped spark the team in the final seconds of the first half, got fouled hard and actually split his forehead open on the court.
The injury didn't faze Hansen, who, after receiving five stitches, went back into the game.
"He's a tough kid," said Rahe. "I asked him, 'you ready to go' and he said, 'yep.' He's a competitor."
The other Wildcats in double figures were Steve Panos who added 14 points, Lindsey Hughey with 10 and Trevor Morris with 12 points.
The Wildcats did start out slowly and actually trailed Western State by five points going into half.
"There's no excuse for the first half we had," said Lillard.
Weber State struggled defensively and were outshot by 10 shots.
The Wildcats had a completely different second half that was led by aggressive defense. Rahe saw what needed to happen and told the team at the half, "We have to get more aggressive."
Aggressive is an understatement. The Wildcats opened up the half by going on an unprecedented 31-4 run in the first ten minutes.
"We just picked it up on defense and picked the intensity up," said Lillard about the run.
The Mountaineers were able to eventually slow the Wildcats down, but couldn't pick up their offense in the second half. The Mountaineers who were shooting just under 50 percent from the field in the first half, went cold and only shot 32 percent in the second half.
"We got them to turn it over and when you put pressure on them they don't get as many open looks," said Rahe. The Wildcats forced the Mountaineers into 16 turnovers, seven of those off of steals.
Western State was led by Alex Hart with 12 points and Weylan Towns had 10 points and seven assists.
The Wildcats have a few days to prepare for another tough game against BYU on Friday.
Tip of is set for 7:30 p.m. From the Marriott Center in Provo.
