Lady Ags fall back to old habits, losing to Wilcats
Women’s basketball suffered the second loss of the season to Weber State University on Friday, Nov. 24, losing 72-55 to the Wildcats.
Creating a solid run early in the game, the struggle for the lady Aggies began and ended with multiple stops due to fouling. The first half ended with USU down by five.
Head Coach Raegan Pebley attributed some of their difficulties to Weber’s execution on offense. Field goal percentage for the Aggies was at a low 31.3 percent.
“Our confidence weaned a little bit,” said Pebley. “We let some of, I think, last season seep into our brains, and it’s going to take time to shed that.”
Three players reached double digits in scoring. Senior Brittany Phillips led the team with 14 field goals, followed by sophomore Danyelle Snelgro and Junior Taylor Richards who both had 12 points. The Aggie offense made only 4 of 17 from the three point line.
As they fought back in the second half they were able to gain a 10 point lead before allowing Weber to dominate yet again. Poor improvisation by the offense and loss of defensive rhythm were two key factors in the loss, said Pebley.
“They have a very senior-laden team,” said Pebley. “They know when they need to hit shots and they did. Weber is always very well-coached and very disciplined.”
Wildcat Head Coach Carla Taylor complimented USU on their improvement from last season. She said her players were not prepared for the physicality that the Aggies brought to the game and adjustments needed to be made.
“It’s not easy to come in here and win,” said Taylor.
Junior guard Sara Tuomi posted a career high 26 points for Weber, leading her team to 3-0 on the season. Tuomi shot a perfect 10 for 10 from the free throw line and also had nine rebounds for the Wildcats.
“We set a goal before the game – 55 points,” Tuomi said. “That’s what we strive for and that’s what we got tonight.”
This loss brings the Aggies to 1-2 for the beginning of the season. Next up will be the first of five games on the road. St. Mary’s College in Moraga, Calif. will host USU on Monday Nov. 27 at 8:05 pm.
St. Mary’s women’s basketball recently placed second in Hilton Concord Thanksgiving Classic and are 2-2 for the season.
USU hits Stockton Calif. on Nov. 29 to battle the University of the Pacific. From there travel continues to Montana and Wyoming before the Aggies return home to the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum on Dec. 20 to play the University of Portland.