Weber State hoops in Saint Mary’s tourney

Weber State basketball coach Randy Rahe likes to schedule a tournament appearance every November because it’s a good way to learn more about his team.

WSU will play Sunday and Monday in the Shamrock Office Solutions Classic, hosted by Saint Mary’s in Moraga, Calif. Look for a tournament preview in Sunday’s Standard-Examiner.

The Wildcats are 3-0 for the first time in five years and have a chance with a win over Jacksonville State of the Ohio Valley Conference on Sunday to improve to their best start since the 1985-86 season.

Rahe’s evaluation of his squad going into the tourney is that the Wildcats need to be more consistent. His staff continues to harp on defensive improvement, he says.

“It’s not that we’re bad defensively, we’ve just got to become more consistent. We’ve got to play longer stretches.”

The same can be said about rebounding and offensive execution, he said, but it kind of goes with the territory just a few games into the season.

“Early in the season, you look around the country and you see some crazy scores. Some teams put it together a little quicker than others, but early season, it’s always a little spotty and you’re striving for that consistency.”

If Weber State can get past Jacksonville State, it would set up an interesting likely rematch with Saint Mary’s, which should get past Division II opponent San Francisco State on Sunday. The Wildcats and Gaels played last March 11 after the Big Sky tournament, with Saint Mary’s winning 77-54.

Weber State fans can watch the tournament live at smcgaels.com for $7.95. Live stats are also online at that website.