Wildcats, Aggies Set For Beehive Classic Matchup
Dec 7, 2018, 6:26 PM
(Scott Winterton, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah State and Weber State will be meeting for the 71st time in history in this weekend’s matchup at the annual Beehive Classic.
Although Utah State leads by a considerable 42-28 record in the matchup, the Wildcats have won the last two matchups.
A Common Opponent In BYU
With both schools sharing a common opponent this year in BYU, who lost to Weber State 113-103 on Saturday and then beat Utah State 95-80 on Wednesday, it’s possible that the second game of the Beehive Classic on Saturday could be the most intriguing.
The Dee Center was rocking tonight! #WeAreWeber pic.twitter.com/WSEU5oLSBW
— WeberStateMBB 🏀 (@WeberStateMBB) December 2, 2018
The Wildcats’ win over BYU got the attention of USU head coach Craig Smith.
“A week ago, they played electrical basketball and beat BYU 113-103,” said Smith of the Wildcats. “They had a tough game on Wednesday, just like we did. We expect them to play very well. It is one of those games where you throw the records out the door. They are a veteran team, returning four of their five starters. They are very talented and very well coached with Coach Rahe and his staff. We will have to mind our P’s and Q’s.”
Transition Defense Will Be Key
Though Weber State fell in its next game against Fresno State, Smith still respects his Beehive Classic opponent. In watching the Wildcats’ loss to Fresno State, Smith took several elements in the game in his plan to slow them down on Satuday.
“Fresno State really got back on defense and guarded the ball and made it difficult to get by them. We are going to have to do the same thing with them,” Smith said.
Game Info
The game between Weber State and Utah State will tip off from Vivint SmartHome Arena at 2:30 p.m. It will be broadcast on AT&T SportsNet.