Which Wildcats will show vs. Broncos?

OGDEN — When Weber State pushed Utah to the limit last weekend in an overtime loss, the Wildcats looked like they just might be legitimate contenders to the Big Sky crown.

Then came a disastrous one-game trip to Cedar City where the Wildcats proceeded to look more like pretenders than contenders.

So, when Boise State pays a visit to the Dee Events Center Saturday, which Weber State team will show up?

As long as it's the same Wildcats team that beat Boise State a couple of weeks ago, WSU coach Joe Cravens will be happy.

"When you put your uniform on you come to play," Cravens said. "We didn't do that (at SUU). So I don't know which team will show up for us this time."

Cravens was so disappointed in his team's performance that he's sent a loud message to the Wildcats, which have dropped to 3-2 after the back-to-back losses. As if a pair of 6 a.m. practices weren't enough, Cravens said he's going to make big changes in the starting lineup when Boise State rolls into town.

"We might start a whole new five," Cravens said. "I'll start the guys that acted like they want to play."

The Broncos (2-2) are off to a decent start so far with a pair of wins sandwiched around the loss to Weber State. The Broncos beat Montana 90-69 and thumped Montana State-Northern 82-46. Thursday in Pocatello, Boise State dropped an 88-79 decision to Idaho State before traveling south to face WSU.

The loss to ISU featured an extended, on-court tongue lashing from BSU coach Greg Graham to his then-listless team.

"We have to play as a unit," Graham told the Idaho Statesman. "We went through this last year. I think our chemistry is fine, but we're not doing team things. We need to get better as a group to play to our potential."

Boise State is led by NBA coach George Karl's son, Coby, a small forward scoring 17.5 points per game and grabbing 5.8 rebounds. Matt Bauscher adds 15.5 points from the two-guard spot.

The Broncos aren't using much of their bench, though, and have matchup problems inside where they lack a significant post presence.

The Wildcats got 21 points from forward David Patten at BSU while Coric Riggs contributed a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.

The key to the game, however, may have been on defense where Weber State limited the Broncos to 38 percent shooting and forced 18 turnovers.

After tonight's game, the Wildcats visit UVSC Tuesday before hosting Utah State next Saturday.

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E-mail: jeborn@desnews.com