The Utah Tech Trailblazers (2-9) are set to host the Weber State Wildcats (4-6) on December 13, 2024, at 9:00 PM ET at Burns Arena. This matchup promises to be significant for both teams as they seek redemption after tough recent losses.
Utah Tech enters the game with high hopes of breaking their three-game losing streak, having previously suffered a hefty defeat against Utah State, losing 92-62. Justin Bieker stood out with 14 points, contributing two assists and three rebounds. Meanwhile, Weber State faces their own challenges, having lost to North Dakota, 80-75, which prompted their aim to bounce back from the disappointing defeat. Blaise Threatt led the Wildcats with 23 points, along with two assists and five rebounds.
This contest will be broadcast live on ESPN+, providing fans with access to the action. Both teams are struggling to find their footing, making this showdown even more compelling. The Wildcats, noted for their scoring capabilities with 76.1 points per game, are still working to improve their consistency on the road, currently sitting at 0-4 away from home. With Weber State hoping to combine their offensive prowess with strategic gameplay, they are labeled as the favorites, set to win by 2.5 points against the Trailblazers.
Analyzing the current stats reveals the stark contrasts between the two teams. The Trailblazers are averaging 67.2 points per game, ranking them among the lower tiers of college basketball. They are also giving up 76.9 points on the defensive side, which has raised concerns about their overall performance. Their three-point shooting pales compared to what Weber State offers, wherein the Wildcats average 8.9 three-pointers per game, ranking significantly higher than their opponents.
Key players will undoubtedly make the difference on the court. Blaise Threatt is pivotal for Weber State, leading the team’s offensive game. Justin Bieker, the Trailblazers’ bright spot, will need to rally his team around him to secure any advantage they can find. Historically, their matchups have been competitive, with Weber State losing the last encounter against Utah Tech, 77-65, back in December 2022. This historical footnote adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming game.
Betting odds show increasing confidence among bettors toward Weber State, with the betting line moving from 2.5 to 3.5 points as sharps seem to believe the initial odds presented were short. This sudden interest from the betting public demonstrates the Wildcats' statistical advantages over the Trailblazers, including offensive and defensive efficiency, making Weber State the favored team of choice.
On the flip side, Utah Tech’s performance is under scrutiny, as they struggle to find rhythm on the offensive front. Their shooting percentage currently stands at 27.4% from beyond the arc, which is concerning if they aim to keep pace with Weber State's more offensive-minded strategy. With Weber State’s ability to connect on the perimeter, Utah Tech must tighten their defense to prevent perimeter scoring by their rivals.
Fans can look forward to watching how these two teams battle it out on the hardwood under the existing stakes surrounding their performances. Each squad brings unique challenges, and as Weber State looks to redeem their prior loss, the urgency will be palpable for Utah Tech to snap their slump.
Available tickets for the game at Burns Arena can be purchased through platforms like Vivid Seats, where fans can catch live action and support their teams firsthand. Whether the home-court advantage proves beneficial for Utah Tech or if Weber State will finally secure their first road victory of the season remains to be seen. Scheduled to tip-off shortly, both teams are gearing up for what promises to be a gripping encounter.
