In a stunning upset, the Weber State Wildcats, currently ranked 201st in the NET rankings, handed the Montana Grizzlies, ranked 186th, a 20-point defeat, 92-72, at the Dee Events Center. The margin of victory for the Wildcats was substantial, and their NET ranking suggests they were not expected to prevail. This outcome has significant implications for seeding in the upcoming tournament, particularly for the Big Sky Conference teams.
The Wildcats' decisive victory was reflected in the team statistics, as they outscored the Grizzlies by 13 points in the first half, 45-32, and maintained their lead in the second half, 47-40. The 20-point margin of victory underscores the Wildcats' dominance on the night, and it will be interesting to see how this result affects the seeding for both teams in the conference tournament.
Viljami Vartiainen's efficient shooting and scoring prowess were instrumental in Weber State's victory, as he connected on 82% of his field goal attempts and 78% of his three-point attempts en route to a team-high 25 points. His six rebounds and one block also contributed to the Wildcats' dominance on both ends of the floor. Vartiainen's performance was marked by a high level of consistency, as he attempted only 11 field goals, further underscoring his effectiveness.
Tijan Saine Jr. and Trevor Hennig complemented Vartiainen's scoring with strong all-around performances. Saine Jr. notched 16 points while also distributing the ball effectively, recording seven assists, and connecting on 54% of his free throw attempts. Hennig, meanwhile, chipped in 16 points of his own, making 86% of his field goal attempts and 75% of his free throws. Both players' ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game was a key factor in Weber State's convincing win.
Money Williams' performance was a mixed bag, as he managed to rack up 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. However, his shooting percentages were uncharacteristically low, converting just 38% of his field goal attempts and 40% of his three-pointers. Despite his well-rounded stat line, Williams' inefficiency from the field was a contributing factor to Montana's struggles.
Kenyon Aguino and Brooklyn Hicks both scored in double figures, but neither player could match the level of production from Weber State's top scorers. Aguino's 15 points were a bright spot, but he was limited to just one rebound and one assist. Hicks' 13 points were fueled by a 6-for-13 shooting effort, but she struggled from beyond the arc, converting just 20% of her three-point attempts.
The rest of the Weber State roster and the Montana team largely operated within their established statistical parameters.
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Final
The pre-game prediction of a 3.8-point Weber State victory was vindicated, albeit by a significantly wider margin. Weber State's decisive 20-point triumph over Montana suggests a chasm in performance that went beyond the initial forecast. Upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that Weber State's shooting efficiency and rebounding prowess were the primary factors in their convincing win.
The Wildcats' extraordinary shooting night, particularly from beyond the arc, where they connected at a season-high 50.0%, was a pivotal aspect of their victory. This surge in three-point shooting, coupled with their improved effective field goal percentage, allowed Weber State to establish a commanding lead. Furthermore, their dominance on the glass, with an OREB rate more than double that of Montana's, allowed them to control the tempo of the game and limit the Grizzlies' second-chance opportunities. These two factors, which have been season-long struggles for Weber State, proved to be the difference-makers on this evening.
For Weber State, the win in a Quad 4 game does little to bolster its NCAA Tournament resume, but it avoids a potentially crippling loss in a weaker opponent's home arena. Given its NET ranking of #201, a 1-16 bid seems the most plausible outcome, and a Quad 1 loss likely seals its fate as a No. 16 seed. Conversely, Montana's loss in a Quad 3 game might prove costly, as its NET ranking of #186 and 0-3 record against top Quad 1 opponents could relegate it to the play-in tournament or even further down the bracket. A Quad 1 loss in its own right, this setback could ultimately condemn Montana to a No. 15 or No. 16 seed.