OGDEN, Utah (Interstat) — In a dramatic in-state showdown, the Weber State Wildcats mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Utah Tech Trailblazers in a non-conference women’s basketball game Saturday at the Dee Events Center.

Weber State outscored Utah Tech by 11 points in the final period, erasing a deficit and securing an 82-76 victory in front of 512 fans.

The game was a tale of two halves, with the Trailblazers controlling the tempo for the first three quarters before the Wildcats’ explosive finish. The teams were deadlocked at 13 after the first quarter, but Utah Tech used a 23-point second quarter to build a 36-31 halftime lead. The Trailblazers maintained their advantage through the third quarter, taking a 55-50 lead into the final 10 minutes.

The fourth quarter belonged entirely to Weber State. The Wildcats erupted for 32 points, their highest-scoring period of the game, while their defense tightened to contain the Utah Tech offense. The pivotal run was fueled by stifling defense and efficient scoring, turning a five-point deficit into a six-point victory.

Weber State’s Antoniette Emma-Nnopu delivered a monumental performance, nearly recording a quadruple-double. The 5-foot-11 guard from Geelong, Australia, stuffed the stat sheet with 22 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 blocks in 31 minutes, orchestrating the Wildcats’ comeback with her all-around play.

She was complemented by Lanae Billy, a 5-foot-7 guard from Shiprock, New Mexico, who poured in a game-high 23 points. Makenna Shaffer, a 6-foot-1 forward from Greeley, Colorado, added 13 points and 5 rebounds off the bench.

For Utah Tech, Kaylee Borden led the charge. The 5-foot-6 guard from Anadarko, Oklahoma, posted a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Maddie Warren, a 5-foot-10 guard from Lehi, Utah, provided a significant spark with 17 points in just 19 minutes of action.

The Wildcats won the game with superior shooting efficiency. Weber State connected on 29 of 60 field goal attempts for a 48.3 percent clip, while Utah Tech struggled, making just 28 of 71 attempts for 39.4 percent. From beyond the arc, the Wildcats shot 7 for 19 compared to the Trailblazers’ 6 for 28.

Weber State also capitalized at the free-throw line, making 17 of 20 attempts. Utah Tech went 14 for 18 from the stripe.

Despite the loss, Utah Tech won the battle on the offensive glass, grabbing 13 offensive rebounds to Weber State’s 8. The Trailblazers also committed fewer turnovers, with 12 to the Wildcats’ 16. Both teams scored 40 points in the paint, but Weber State held a slight edge in points off turnovers, 15-12.

With the win, Weber State evened its season record at 2-2. Utah Tech, which entered the game with a 2-0 record after wins over Northern Arizona and Omaha, suffered its first loss, falling to 2-1.

The Trailblazers will look to rebound when they host Portland State on Nov. 22. Weber State begins a three-game road trip, first traveling to face Utah Valley on Nov. 20.