On Friday afternoon, the Weber State University men’s basketball team met with the media in San Diego as they prepared for their second-round match-up with the University of Arizona. The Wildcats qualified via winning the Big Sky Conference Championship last week and were selected as a 16th seed in the West Region.

WSU has a tough task of stopping one of the best teams in the nation this year. But head coach Randy Rahe said he is confident that his team is not going to back down from the challenge that hundreds of 16th seeds have faced, which is to beat the No. 1 seed. The Wildcats have grown since the early struggles they faced while playing a tough non-conference schedule.

This game may mean a little more to them to the few WSU players from Arizona. Senior Kyle Tresnak grew up idolizing Lute Olson, the legendary UA coach, and had dreams of playing for UA. Those dreams are now gone as he and his teammates gear up to take down UA. Tresnak and Joel Bolomboy will try to contain the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, Aaron Gordon, a player who causes match-up issues for most teams in the nation.

Davion Berry said he knows he has a tough task ahead of him, as he will try to slow down Nick Johnson, the Pac-12 Player of the Year, who comes in as the leading scorer for UA. Berry said he doesn’t feel their game styles are too similar, but they are both able to get to the basket. Berry will have to continue his impressive form if WSU is going to have a chance of winning.

See the sports section on Page 6 for a more detailed look at the upcoming men’s basketball game.