Weber State Faces Intense 4-Game Stretch in 8 Days
Weber State University’s men’s basketball team is gearing up for an intense four-game stretch over eight days. The Wildcats will kick off this demanding schedule against Idaho State on Saturday, January 17, 2026. With a record of 10 wins and 11 losses, and 4-4 in Big Sky conference play, they look to capitalize on an opportunity to improve their standing.
Upcoming Games for Weber State
During this challenging period, Weber State will face the following opponents:
- Idaho State (10-11, 3-5) – Home Game on Saturday
- Sacramento State (7-13, 3-5) – Away Game on Monday
- Northern Colorado (12-10, 2-7) – Home Game on Thursday
- Northern Arizona (8-14, 2-7) – Home Game on Saturday
Key Player Performances
Junior point guard Tijan Saine Jr. has emerged as a key player, averaging 20.3 points and 4.4 assists in Big Sky competition. He has shown remarkable shooting efficiency, hitting 46.2% from beyond the arc. Additionally, junior shooting guard Viljami Vartiainen contributes an average of 13.1 points per game while maintaining a 45.6% shooting rate from three-point range.
Team Performance Overview
Despite boasting the third-best offense and fourth-best defense in the Big Sky, Weber State’s record of 4-4 raises questions. The team excels at creating turnovers and getting to the free-throw line, but struggles with free-throw shooting at 71.4%, the lowest in the conference.
Injury Impacts
The absence of junior guard Jace Whiting, due to a foot injury, presents additional challenges. His anticipated return is expected around early February. As a result, the Wildcats must adapt quickly to maintain momentum and secure wins during this crucial stretch.
Analysis of Opponents
Idaho State has a methodical offense, effective across various metrics except for turnovers. Their standout player, senior Caleb Van De Griend, averages 12.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Weber State will also face Sacramento State, known for its surprising home performance, recently defeating Montana State with strong contributions from players Williams and Johnson.
Northern Colorado is currently seeking to turn its season around after breaking a losing streak, while Northern Arizona brings its own challenges, with a lineup dealing with several injuries yet still managing to score significantly in recent games.
Road to Recovery
The upcoming schedule presents a pivotal opportunity for Weber State to elevate its play. Securing victories against these lower-ranked opponents is essential as the Wildcats aim for a stronger position in the Big Sky standings.
As Weber State approaches this critical juncture, both players and coaching staff must work collectively to address weaknesses and enhance their gameplay strategy.
