Weber State University’s women’s basketball team started a stretch of four away games in the Big Sky Conference with a 77–62 loss to the University of Idaho on Jan. 30, but they quickly bounced back with a 62–48 win against Eastern Washington University on Feb. 1.
Weber State vs. Idaho
The Wildcats broke their two-game winning streak on Jan. 30 as they fell 77–62 to the Idaho Vandals at the ICCU Arena in Moscow, Idaho. Weber’s slow start to the game allowed Idaho to score nearly double their points in the first quarter, but the Wildcats could not recover.
Senior forward Rose Bubakar and sophomore forward Taylor Smith led Weber State’s offensive efforts with 17 and 16 points, but the Wildcats shot 29.7% from the field and 25% from behind the arc. On the opposite side, Idaho managed 44.3% overall and 41.7% from the 3-point-line while out rebounding Weber 50–35.
Weber State’s defense had a difficult time stopping the Vandals’ offensive prowess. Senior guard Olivia Nelson consequently shone for Idaho with 30 points, three assists and four rebounds in the match.
The Vandals’ record improved to 15–5 overall and 7–2 in conference play to claim third place for the time being in the Big Sky Conference. Weber fell to 7–11 on the season, with a 4–4 record in the Big Sky.
Weber State vs. Eastern Washington
The Wildcats got back to winning ways at the Reese Court in Cheney, Washington, with a 62–48 victory over the No. 8-ranked Eastern Washington Eagles on Feb. 1. Weber outscored the Eagles in all four quarters of the game and significantly improved their shooting performance to 39.6% from the field and 38.9% from behind the arc.
Senior guard Kendra Parra was too much for Eastern Washington’s defense to handle, recording 17 points, six rebounds and five assists in a dominant outing.
With her eighth double-double of the season, junior forward Antoniette Emma-Nnopu’s 10 points and 13 rebounds were crucial for Weber’s victory and illustrated the commanding style of play she has become known for.
Eastern Washington’s overall offensive display was highlighted by their 5.3% record from the 3-point line. Senior forward Peyton Howard scored the Eagles’ only 3-pointer. From the field, they shot 27%.
Despite the loss, freshman small forward Kourtney Grossman had another impressive night for the Eagles, making 15 rebounds and scoring 11 points, second only to junior guard Ella Gallatin’s 13 points.
The loss brought Eastern Washington’s record to 7–15 overall and 3–7 in the Big Sky, ranking them No. 8 in the conference.
The Wildcats remain No. 4 in the Big Sky with a 5–4 record and are 8–11 overall. Weber State’s road trip is only halfway over, as they will meet Northern Arizona University on Feb. 3 and Idaho State University on Feb. 8 before returning home to the Dee Events Center to face the University of Montana on Feb. 13.