Weber State holds on to defeat Northern Arizona


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OGDEN — The Weber State Wildcats were back in action Thursday night, returning home from a three-game road swing to face the Northern Arizona Wildcats.

It was a game of runs that had Weber pull away multiple times, only to have Northern Arizona charge back and make it close. Weber was able to pull away when it mattered in the final two minutes of the game to secure a 76-66 victory over the Lumberjacks.

Both teams struggled early in the first half shooting the ball, combining for just 33-percent field goal percentage in the half.

"We had to grind one out tonight," said Weber State head coach Randy Rahe. "We just had to grind and find a way tonight against a team that came here and played like they had nothing to lose."

The game was close throughout the first half, with Northern Arizona answering each Weber State run with one of its own. Weber took a slim five-point lead at the half.

To start the second half, Weber went on a big run as the offense finally started to click. The charge was led by star forward Joel Bolomboy who scored seven straight points for Weber, as the Wildcats rattled off a 15-2 run in the opening minutes.

"We just stuck with it," said Bolomboy. "We stayed together as a team, and eventually we were able to get it going."

Weber extended the lead to 18 points midway through the period behind the strong interior play and stifling defense. Northern Arizona did not lay down after being blitzed by Weber in the opening minutes. The Lumberjacks made a push of their own to climb back to within three late in the half. A timeout at the four-minute mark allowed Rahe to emphasize execution to his team.

"Let's go get a good shot," said Rahe. "Let's get a stop and a rebound and then come back and push it on the break. Just stay aggressive."

Weber was able to close the game strong after the timeout behind great contributions from freshman guard McKay Cannon, who was able to get into the lane and score at the rim when the team desperately needed an answer to the Northern Arizona run.

"Every game I am learning a lot from my teammates," said Cannon. "I feel like I am getting more comfortable every game, and it helps when you have great teammates like I do."

Cannon finished the game with 11 points, nine of which came in the second half. Cannon has a great motor and intensity to his game, and it was on full display Thursday night.

Bolomboy led Weber in scoring, putting in 17 points and pulling down 15 rebounds to add another double-double to his growing count this season. Bolomboy broke both the Big Sky and Weber State records for career rebounds last Saturday versus Idaho State.

Weber State has a quick turnaround as it will host instate opponent Southern Utah on Saturday night. The Wildcats move to 14-6 overall on the season and 6-1 in Big Sky play. Mark Douglas covers Weber State football and basketball for KSL.com. Contact him at markdouglasmail@gmail.com or on Twitter @marktweetsports.

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