Weber State University’s men’s basketball team lost its Big Sky Conference home opener 63–59 to the University of Montana on Jan. 16 at the Dee Events Center. The Wildcats played without senior Blaise Threatt, who was unavailable due to illness.
The game included 13 lead changes and six ties. The Wildcats ended the first half on a 10–0 run, taking a 32–29 lead at halftime. Senior guard Miguel Tomley made a 3-pointer during the run, and junior forward Nigel Burris contributed with a block that led to points for the Wildcats.
Weber State shot 43% from the field, including 39% from 3-point range. Montana shot 40% overall and gained an advantage on the offensive glass, securing 11 offensive rebounds and converting them into 10 second-chance points. Weber committed 11 turnovers in the game.
Miguel Tomley led Weber State with 16 points and six rebounds, shooting 7 of 17 from the field. Senior center Vasilije Vucinic added 13 points and nine rebounds, making seven of eight free throws. Dyson Koehler played 39 minutes, contributing 10 points and two rebounds. Saadiq Moore, who started in place of Threatt, recorded four assists and three steals.
“We have to put this game behind us and then do the little things and actually get the dub,” Koehler said.
Weber State held a 55–50 lead in the second half with 4 minutes remaining. Montana responded with a 6–0 run to take the lead at 58–57. Tomley made a floater with 43 seconds left to regain the lead for Weber State, but Montana’s Malik Moore followed with a 3-pointer, putting the Grizzlies up 61–59. A turnover on Weber State’s final possession secured the win for Montana.
Malik Moore finished with a game-high 18 points for Montana, while Te’Jon Sawyer added 17 points and seven rebounds for the Grizzlies.
The Wildcats will hit the road for a game against Portland State University on Jan. 23 and California State University, Sacramento, on Jan. 25. The ‘Cats will return to the Dee on Jan. 30 to face the University of Idaho.