OGDEN -- When we last saw the Weber State men's basketball team, the Wildcats had barely defeated an NAIA team at the Dee Events Center. They weren't happy with the effort of the players on the court, and following the game the players talked about how they needed to change their attitude or else they wouldn't be winning many more games.
Three days later, as the Wildcats hit the floor tonight again, the feeling hasn't changed.
"We need to get our identity back," said WSU senior Steve Panos prior to Friday's practice. "We're a hard-working team."
WSU (4-4, 1-0 Big Sky Conference) plays host to in-state rival Southern Utah University tonight, and looks to extend its three-game winning streak and move above .500 for the first time this season. The Thunderbirds (3-6 under coach Roger Reid, who played basketball and baseball at Weber State) come in on a four-game losing streak
The Wildcats had been proud of their effort in all of their games during their difficult non-league schedule until Wednesday's 73-70 win over Montana Tech. WSU trailed most of the game and needed a second-half comeback to survive the great play from the Orediggers.
Even after getting the win, the 'Cats weren't satisfied and their body language was as if they had lost. The disappointment came from knowing they weren't ready for the game that night.
"This is something that's our fault as players," WSU forward Kyle Bullinger said following Wednesday's game. "Our coaches are preparing us. They're doing what they can and the players have got to play. Right now we are struggling with that."
Bullinger said that the lack of effort is a mental thing, and something the team needs to fix immediately.
WSU coach Randy Rahe agrees.
"It's all in your mind," Rahe said on Friday. "Just being aggressive, pressuring the ball and getting up and defending them. When our mindset is right, that's who we are."
Another thing the Wildcats would like to do is take a lead into the locker room at halftime.
The Wildcats have been behind at the half in all eight games this season, as well as their exhibition contest against Colorado Christian. The halftime deficits haven't been huge, as the Wildcats have been outscored by an average of five points (36.87 to 31.87) but played hard down in the second halves to be in every game.
One of the reasons WSU has overcome the halftime deficits is because of its ability to take advantage of other areas of the game. WSU has averaged 12.75 offensive rebounds per game, which have translated into many second-chance points.
"We've put a lot of emphasis on rebounding, especially offensively, and it's helped," Panos said.
WSU has also committed fewer than 10 turnovers in its last three games -- all wins -- including just five against Utah, when the Wildcats went without a turnover in the entire second half.
"Any time you take care of the ball and make simple plays, it's going to help," Rahe said. "We've got to continue doing a good job in that area."
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