Weber State basketball: Wildcats ready for Colorado Christian

OGDEN — Playing a team of Utah State's caliber in a hostile environment at the Spectrum in Logan was a character-building experience for Weber State on Saturday night.

Playing Colorado Christian in the Wildcats' home-opener tonight should be a winning experience.

Weber State hosts the Division II Cougars in its only home game this month. Colorado Christian is sandwiched between two in-state opponents for the Wildcats, who play at Utah on Saturday.

Weber State is coming off a game against Utah State in which it led by eight points early in the second half of a 77-65 loss. The Aggies took control of the game with a 17-0 run, and Weber State couldn't recover.

Still, it was a good effort against a talented and experienced Utah State team.

"Overall our team played extremely hard, and we played well," Rahe said. "I'm very proud of how hard we fought."

Reigning Big Sky Conference Player of the Year Damian Lillard looked improved from last season against the Aggies. He scored 28 points and made six 3-pointers. Weber State will surely be looking for more balance on offense after no other Wildcat scored in double figures against Utah State.

Five players made their Weber State debuts against Utah State. Among the newcomers, Bryon Fulton and Kyle Tresnak were the most productive. They each scored seven points on 3-for-5 shooting. Tresnak led the team with six rebounds in 24 minutes of play.

The Wildcats are familiar with Colorado Christian and know tonight's opponent is no pushover. The two teams last played in an exhibition game prior to last season. Weber State prevailed, 75-65, after trailing by one point at halftime.

"They gave us all we could handle and more last year, and they have added some excellent transfer players," Rahe said. "They are picked to win their league (the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) and have another strong season."

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