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Show Men's Basketball Text: Mike Coe It was to be a rebuilding year for Weber's men's basketball team, but under the direction of new head coach Larry Farmer, the Wildcats started off like it was a championship year. Farmer, who played his college ball during the UCLA glory years and also coached at UCLA, brought the UCLA brand of basketball to Ogden. One of the distinguished features of this style of play is winning. And win the 'Cats did. Without the benefit of having a single returning starter, Farmer was able to mold his team out of junior college transfers and former reserve players. With Walt Tyler, Alan Campbell and Curtis Webster lighting up the basket from outside, Harry Willis and Darryle McDaniel providing the muscle and scoring punch inside, Guy Beach and Robert Maxwell running the offense, and Dale Baum and Rob Thomas adding quality minutes off the bench, the Wildcats were able to start their season off with 10 straight wins. As Weber's win streak grew, so did the fan support and future expectations. Everyone wanted to come out and see what Farmer, the miracle worker, would do next with his team. But, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and on a cold December day, so did Weber's winning streak. BYU, struggling through their season, was the unlikely culprit. From that point on, the Wildcats struggled. At times, there would be flashes of brilliance. But at other times, such as one forgettable trip to Montana, the exact opposite would happen. But, it will be Weber's flashes of brilliance that will be remembered. One of those moments was Weber's double overtime win over Montana State in the Dee Event Center. With Webster out with illness, Willis was called on to start. Willis responded by scoring 27 points and pulling down 12 rebounds to lead the 'Cats to a 119-114 victory. At the time, Farmer said, "On Jan. 31, I turned 35; now I feel about 45. That was one of the most exciting games I've ever been in as a coach." Another memorable game was one against Idaho State in Pocatello. According to Farmer, that game may have been the best the Wildcats played all season, even though they ended up losing the game 59-58. Finally, there was the Big Sky ', . v 1 , . II 1 Jl 1 ) ' ,. if 5, . X ..; ..V. MA J it- 1 championships. In the first round of the championship tournament, Weber beat Boi State 79-76 on a three-point shot by Camp! with just two seconds remaining in the gar But, in the next round, Weber met a tough University of Montana team that beat the Wildcats 72-68 in a hard-fought contest. Weber ended up the season with an 18 record. Both Tyler and Campbell were sele to the All-Conference second team and Hai Willis was an honorable mention pick. HEARTBREAKING describes the Wildcats' last-second loss to ISU. Coach Larry Farmer consoles Curtis Webster with a hug during the aftermath. UP FOR GRABS and it could be anyone's ball though Daryl McDaniel (24) seems to have the edge over his opponent. Allen Campbell (34) and Harry Willis (25) give needed support. WAY TO GO! WSC's new basketball coach Larry Farmer added new spark and excitement to this year's season. LOUISVILLE'S Cardinals and Bradley's Braves fight it out in the NCAA first round game at the Dee Event Center. (Signpost photos: Scott Miller) . RIGHT IN THE JAW! An MSU player gets physical with Wildcatter Dale Baum (32) as teammate Harry Willis (25) looks on. (Signpost photo: Oscar Sosa) , . ... in? . :M s - . ' |