Weber State University’s women’s basketball had one of their best games of the season on Thursday against Portland State. In front of a booming crowd full of elementary school students on Field Trip Day, the Wildcats beat the Vikings 102-73 and never trailed after the first two minutes and 30 seconds of the game.
There was plenty of scoring to go around for Weber State with the bulk being done by Regina Okoye, who picked up 28 points and 10 rebounds for her third double-double of the season. Kailie Quinn scored 15 points via three three-pointers and four rebounds.
“They just gave me a lot of open looks. I’m a shooter, so I shoot,” Quinn said after the game.
Three other players also scored double-digit points and eight Wildcats scored at least eight points. Okoye was also the team rebound leader with 10 rebounds, as well as the team leader in assists was Brittney Dunbar, who picked up six assists. This was also a big game for freshman Emily Drake who scored eight points to go with three assists and three rebounds in her first career start.
As a team, Weber State shot 51.9 percent from the field, 34.6 percent from beyond the three-point line, and 61.9 percent from the free-throw line. That 51.9 percent from the field is also the highest the Wildcats have had in a game all season.
Defensively, the Wildcats had one of their best games of the season, forcing 30 Vikings turnovers. Most notably, the team forced 19 steals with five each between Okoye and Dunbar, who also added nine points, five rebounds and six assists.
The Wildcats also scored 40 points off the 30 turnovers that the Vikings gave up. With her big game offensively and defensively Okoye was also named the player of the game.
“A lot of steals and converting on transition, a lot of good teamwork,” Okoye said.
She also talked about what it was like playing with a large lead late in the game.
“It definitely was a confidence booster. [Coach Ord] wanted us to work on things even when we were up by a lot. She wanted us to get better,” Okoye said.
With Jan. 14 being Field Trip Day, several elementary schools brought classes full of children to cheer on the women’s basketball team.
In regard to the students in the stands, coach Bethann Ord said, “It was nice to get up and down and have the great atmosphere we did.”
After this win, the Wildcats are 11-4 on the season and 3-1 in conference play while the Vikings moved down to 2-13 on the season with a 0-4 record thus far in Big Sky Conference play.
After this victory, the Wildcats are looking to keep their momentum and win Saturday’s game against Sacramento State, who will be going into the game as the No. 2 scoring offense in college basketball. The game against Sacramento State will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Dee Events Center.
