The Weber State University women’s basketball team experienced a mixed bag on their latest road trip, initially stumbling to Sacramento State University on Feb. 20 before coming out on top against Portland State University on Feb. 22.
With the end of the regular season fast approaching, the third-place spot in the Big Sky is for the taking. It could potentially be snapped up by the University of Idaho (9-6), Weber (8-7), Idaho State University (6-9), the University of Montana (6-9), Eastern Washington University (6-9), or the University of Northern Colorado (6-10).
Weber State vs. Sacramento State
The Wildcats were unable to carry the momentum from their win against Montana on Feb.15 into their showdown with the Hornets as they lost at Colberg Court. Weber’s offensive struggles were marked by a shooting performance unlike the one they managed against Montana on Feb. 15.
The Wildcats scored just three 3-pointers from 22 attempts, recording 13.1%. Weber also had problems scoring inside the paint, only managing 21.1% of field goals and 62.1% from the line.
Senior forward Rose Bubakar led the Wildcat scoring with 12 points and six rebounds to accompany Kendra Parra’s 10 points, two assists and four steals.
Junior Antoinette Emma-Nnopu was a significant physical presence in the paint for the Wildcats again, posting 12 rebounds. Emma-Nnopu is averaging 9.4 rebounds per game for Weber State this season.
The Hornets outscored the Wildcats in all four quarters and held a lead of 14 points, the largest by either team, in the fourth quarter. Conversely, Bubakar’s layup for the first two points of the game was the only time Weber held the advantage.
Sacramento’s shooting proved to be the difference in this game as they converted 42.5% of field goals and 30.5% of their 3-point shots, significantly higher than WSU.
Sacramento State’s offensive efforts were highlighted by senior forward Jaydin Martin, who scored 16 points and got up for seven rebounds. Junior guard Benthe Versteeg also made her presence known with 12 points and two assists of her own.
This win took the Hornets’ record to 12-15 overall and 5-9 in the conference, ranking them ninth.
Weber State vs. Portland State
The Wildcats bounced back from their loss at Sacramento State and found winning form at the Peter W. Stott Athletic Center, beating the Portland State Vikings by 15 points. Losing by 3 points at halftime, the Wildcats came back in the second half and accelerated away from the Vikings during the third quarter, taking a 19-point lead in the fourth.
Weber’s offense showed improvement in finishing compared to their previous game, allowing them to put the points up in the absence of sophomore forward Taylor Smith. Smith averages 13.4 points per game this season, the most of any Wildcat.
The Wildcats shot 46.2% from behind the arc, up from 13.1% against Sacramento State, scoring 12 3-pointers. Inside the paint, Weber again improved and knocked down 44.1% of field goals and 70% of free throws.
With Smith sidelined, junior guard Lanae Billy stepped up for the Wildcats and scored 22 points, her highest tally this season. Adding firepower and playmaking to the attack was Parra, who registered 20 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists.
The Viking offense shot similarly to their loss against Idaho State on Feb. 20, scoring 45.8% of field goals and 35.3% from outside the key. Senior guard Alaya Fitzgerald and senior center Rhema Ogele scored the most points for Portland State, with Fitzgerald notching 17 on top of Ogele’s 14.
The result brought Portland State’s record to 4-20 overall and 1-14 in the conference, placing them last.
As for the Wildcats, the win brings their record to 11–14 overall and 8–7 in the conference. With just three games left in the regular season, the Wildcats sit fourth in the table.
Portland was the final stop on the Wildcats road trip, as they will be returning to the Dee Events Center to take on Eastern Washington University on Feb. 27 and the University of Northern Colorado on March 1.
