SALT LAKE CITY – The Weber State men’s basketball team advanced to the semifinal round of the Big Sky Conference Tournament with a victory over the Sacramento State Hornets.

The Wildcats and the Hornets faced off in the Big Sky quarterfinal round at Idaho Central Arena in Boise, Idaho on Monday, March 6.

Weber State defeated Sacramento State, 70-64.

WILDCATS WIN. 😼@WeberStateMBB advances past Sacramento State to move into the Semis 👏#ExperienceElevated🏔️ pic.twitter.com/MrhF27XC8l

— Big Sky Conference (@BigSkyConf) March 7, 2023

The Wildcats opened the contest on a 7-0 run and owned a double-digit lead by the 11:42 mark of the first half.

At the break, Weber State was up 41-25 thanks in part to a big first 20 minutes by KJ Cunningham. The guard led the Wildcats with 11 points on 5-5 shooting during the first half.

After halftime, the Hornets hung around and cut into the Wildcats’ lead. Sacramento State ended up winning the final 20 minutes of action by 10 points. However, Weber State’s early advantage carried the Wildcats to victory in the end.

The Wildcats finished the evening shooting 54.1 percent overall and 26.7 percent from beyond the arc. The Hornets shot 53.1 percent from the field, including 36.8 percent on three-pointers.

Three Wildcats reached double figures in scoring. Dillon Jones led the Wildcats with a game-high 18 points on 7-19 field goals. He added five rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Cunningham and Steven Verplancken Jr. each poured in 16 points. Alex Tew added nine points.

KJ is 🔥!#WeAreWeber pic.twitter.com/b1mLkriIJZ

— Weber State MBB 🏀 (@WeberStateMBB) March 7, 2023

Three Sacramento State players scored in double-digits. Callum McRae led the Hornets with 16 points.

With the win, the Wildcats improved their record to 18-14 this season, including 12-6 in Big Sky games. The Wildcats have won four consecutive games.

Win and Advance!

On to the semis! #WeAreWeber pic.twitter.com/wvy2zTDlPe

— Weber State MBB 🏀 (@WeberStateMBB) March 7, 2023

Weber State’s next game is in the Big Sky semifinals against the Montana State Bobcats on Tuesday, March 7 at 9 p.m. (MDT). The game will be broadcast on ESPN2 and ESPN+.

RELATED: Big Sky Tournament Brackets, Schedules Released For 2022-23 Season

During the regular season, Weber State split its series with Montana State. The Bobcats won the first meeting on January 14, 67-52. The Wildcats returned the favor with a 73-63 win at home on February 9.

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