Weber State pulled off a monumental upset at the Dee Events Center, taking down Idaho State 81-79 in a nail-biting contest that will have real consequences for both teams. Despite being ranked lower in the net rankings, the Wildcats, led by Tijan Saine Jr.'s outstanding performance, managed to outlast the Bengals and secure a crucial win. This victory is all the more impressive considering Idaho State's higher net ranking, making this a major upset in the college basketball world.
The game got off to a strong start for Idaho State, with the Bengals taking a 38-33 lead into halftime. However, Weber State came out firing in the second half, with Saine Jr. and ArDarius Grayson leading the charge. Saine Jr. was unstoppable, scoring 28 points and dishing out 8 assists to pace the Wildcats. His efforts were complemented by Grayson's 14 points and Nigel Burris's 11 points, as Weber State outscored Idaho State 48-41 in the second half to claim the win.
Idaho State's Connor Hollenbeck was equally impressive, scoring 27 points and grabbing 7 rebounds in a valiant effort to lead his team to victory. Martin Kheil added 19 points, while Evan Otten chipped in with 13 points and 7 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the determined Wildcats.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Weber State winning by 5.4 points, and while the margin was much closer than expected, the prediction ultimately proved correct. The actual score of 81-79 was just a few points off from the predicted 80-74, a reflection of the accuracy of the scouting report.
This win is a significant boost to Weber State's resume, as it counts as a Quadrant 4 victory. While it may not be the most impressive win, it's a crucial one for a team looking to build momentum and make a push for a tournament berth. On the other hand, Idaho State will have to regroup after suffering a Quadrant 3 loss, which could have implications for their own tournament chances.
The implications of this result cannot be overstated. For Weber State, this win is a much-needed confidence booster, and it will be interesting to see how they build on this momentum in their upcoming games. As for Idaho State, they must bounce back quickly to avoid letting this loss derail their season. The Wildcats' victory will undoubtedly be a talking point in the college basketball world, and it will be fascinating to see how it affects their tournament prospects in the coming weeks. With this win, Weber State has taken a significant step forward, and their resume is now looking more impressive than ever.