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No Comments [ Add Comment ]Big press awaits Wildcats
By JASEN ASAYAs Weber State's basketball team opened the season last week at the 2K Sports Classic in Los Angeles, the Wildcats experienced playing against two very different styles. Miami (Ohio) University was more disciplined and organized while Prairie View A&M was a more up-tempo team.
The Wildcats, who play tonight at Long Beach State, lost to Miami in the final seconds, and came from behind to beat Prairie View to earn a split.
"I thought it was really good to play two different style of teams," said WSU coach Randy Rahe.
One reason is that Rahe said tonight's opponent is going to play fast on offense and use a full-court defense against the Wildcats just like Prairie View A&M did last week.
"Basically they're Prairie View with a lot more athletic players," Rahe said.
The 49ers (0-2) have lost two difficult, close road games this season against BYU and No. 25 Wisconsin. However Rahe was very impressed with what he saw while reviewing those games.
"Long Beach went to both those places and had a chance to win, so that tells you all you need to know about where they're at this year with their team and how talented and good they are," Rahe said.
The biggest challenge WSU will face is the full-court press. The Wildcats struggled breaking Prairie View A&M's press in the first half of their meeting, committing 15 turnovers. However the 'Cats turned things around and had just eight turnovers in the second half as they came from 15-points down to win 78-68.
"Against Prairie View we came out and were a little shocked, but in the second half we calmed down and played our game," said WSU center Steve Panos.
The Wildcats know Long Beach State presents an even bigger challenge than Prairie View, however the 'Cats have a better chance of handling a full-court press after already playing against it in a game.
"Now that we've seen that I think we'll come in a little more prepared," Panos said.
Rahe said the Wildcats have worked hard in practice this week against the press, and will need to be in the right mindset to play well today.
"We're going to have to play the right way to have a chance," Rahe said.
By the right way, Rahe means that the 'Cats have to be aggressive, but disciplined on offense. WSU also needs to avoid letting the 49ers get easy baskets in transition.
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