[jwplayer jF5wU66N-sNi3MVSU]

In a game scheduled this week, Weber State is playing Boise State.

Contact/Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire

The Broncos look to build on positive momentum against the Wildcats.

THE GAME: Weber State @ Boise State in the ExtraMile Arena

TIP: 2 p.m. MT

TV: None

STREAMING: Mountain West Network

RADIO: TuneIn

This game between the Weber State Wildcats and Boise State Broncos was scheduled earlier this week following Weber’s cancellation with USU.

The Wildcats are 2-0 but have yet to have a division one opponent this season. Weber is fronted by former Grand Canyon guard Isiah Brown, a player who is one of the Big Sky’s better scorers, posting 27.5 PPG in the two games this season. Former Division two big-man Cody Carlson has been a significant addition for Weber State this season to score at 14.5-per-game, but only two rebounds per game. Michal Kozak is a stout defender inside, can block-shots, and can even hit some threes when needed. Weber State played sloppy in their first games of the season against inferior competition. That can’t happen against Boise State if they want to be in this game.

The Broncos are coming off of a last-second victory over BYU, where Emmanuel Akot hit the game-winner from three. It appears that Marcus Shaver will be out for this game, marking the 2nd consecutive missed contest for Shaver. Meaning the starting five will be Dennis/Akot/Alston/Kigab/Armus once again. The Broncos showed a much-improved ability to shoot threes against BYU, going 6-10 from beyond-the-arc.

Getting Emmanuel Akot back was immense, as he led the ability to defend, attack, and stretch out the defense with his size at the guard position. One thing to pay attention to is that for the 2nd time in a game this season, Derrick Alston Jr barely touched the ball in the 2nd-half; you need to get your star involved. Fouls also were problematic for the Broncos, as Armus & Lukas Milner fouled-out early in the 2nd half. 

Keys to the win for Boise:

The Broncos need to limit the sloppy play. At times, Boise State has gotten careless, leading to turnovers, then fouls have also been problematic at times. Sometimes, it’s better to give up on a play than picking up a foul. 

Continue the positive momentum shooting wise. Against BYU, that was the lone good three-point shooting output of the year. Don’t force ill-advised three-pointers, and take them when they come to you.

Find a way to get Derrick Alston Jr involved at all times. Alston has had an odd season; Alston is averaging just 13.3 PPG, well down from last year, but isn’t getting the same opportunities. He’s also struggled at times when given the chances, find a way to get him the ball in a spot where he can drive to the basket and get him going.

Player to watch:

RayJ Dennis

Dennis was tremendous against BYU and will need to play a big scoring role with Marcus Shaver not suiting up. Dennis is shooting well from distance but is great at getting to the rim.

Prediction:

Weber State: 71

Boise State: 85