Weber State University’s men’s basketball team embarked on a week of nonstop competition, facing off against consecutive Big Sky matchups like the University of Montana and Idaho State University. The rollercoaster of emotions left fans eagerly anticipating the team’s next steps, as they navigated through highs and lows on the court.
The opener against the University of Montana on Jan. 22 proved to be a challenge for the Wildcats, culminating in a 77–62 defeat at Dahlberg Arena in Missoula.
Despite the loss, standout performances from Dillon Jones and Alex Tew offered hope during the difficult games. Jones, in a career-defining display, showcased his scoring dominance with a 30-point outing, while Tew delivered a career-high with 16 points, underscoring their significance to Weber State’s offensive firepower.
Transitioning to the Dee Events Center in Ogden, Weber State squared off against Idaho State University on Jan. 27 in a bid for redemption. The Wildcats faced a challenging opponent in Idaho State, but despite a valiant effort the Wildcats fell short in a hard-fought 74–64 contest.
Once again, Dillon Jones emerged as a pivotal player, recording a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, supported by Dyson Koehler’s 14-point contribution and Blaise Threatt’s 13-point effort.
“Every night, we get out there, we’ve got three or four guys, 3 1/2 guys, playing as hard as they can play and we’ve got to get better effort from everybody else,” head coach Eric Duft said. “I told the guys, the guys who are going to play the hardest are the guys who are going to play going forward.”
Looking ahead, Weber State finds itself at a significant juncture in its season, with upcoming matchups against Northern Arizona (10–11, 3–4 Big Sky) and Northern Colorado (12–8, 5–2 Big Sky) presenting fresh opportunities for growth and redemption. Both teams are a combined 12–1 at home this season.
“It’s gut-check time now. We are past anything else,” Duft said. “We are at the point where we’re either going to get better or we’re going to get worse, it’s up to everyone to dig down deeper. We’ve proven we can do it; we’ve beat great teams this year.”
The Wildcats now stand at 12–9 overall and are 3–5 in Big Sky conference play. The road ahead will hold both challenges and opportunities for the team to redefine its identity and reclaim the competitive spirit that has characterized Weber State’s basketball legacy.
The Wildcats’ journey, marked by highs and lows, serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of collegiate athletics, where every setback serves as an opportunity for growth and renewal.
As Weber State’s basketball journey unfolds, the unwavering support of fans and the broader college community remains a source of inspiration and motivation for the team.
