Preview: Weber State Wildcats at Utah Valley Wolverines

VINEYARD, Utah (Interstat) — A surging Utah Valley squad hosts in-state foe Weber State on Wednesday night at UCCU Center, looking to extend its winning streak behind the versatile play of point guard Trevan Leonhardt.

The Wolverines (8-3) have won three straight and five of their last six, most recently defeating UC Santa Barbara 68-53 on Dec. 13. Leonhardt nearly recorded a triple-double in that victory, finishing with 8 points, 9 rebounds, 10 assists and 2 blocks. Over his last three games, the floor general has averaged 8.7 assists, orchestrating an efficient offense.

Utah Valley’s defense has been a cornerstone during its run, holding opponents to 64.3 points per game over the last three contests. Forward Jackson Holcombe provides a strong interior presence, coming off an 11-rebound performance against UCSB, while Hayden Welling adds scoring punch after an 18-point outing.

Weber State (5-5) arrives after a 64-60 road win at Missouri-Kansas City on Dec. 10, which snapped a two-game skid. The Wildcats have shown volatility, with wins and losses alternating over their past six games.

Guard Malek Gomma is a key catalyst for the Wildcats. He scored a team-high 19 points in the win over UMKC and has shown scoring ability, including a 12-point game against Campbell on Nov. 19. Support comes from Nigel Burris, who added 14 points off the bench last game, and guard Jace Whiting, who averages steady backcourt minutes.

The Wildcats have struggled defensively on the road, allowing an average of 80.3 points in their five losses this season. Containing Leonhardt’s distribution and the Wolverines’ balanced attack will be a primary challenge.

This non-conference matchup is the final tune-up for both teams before holiday breaks. Utah Valley will host Bethesda on Saturday, while Weber State returns home to face Utah Tech the same day.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST Wednesday at the UCCU Center.