Ogden • Weber State looked a little scrambled, especially on the offensive end, for much of Saturday's basketball game against Seattle.

Yet, when it came time to execute in the final minutes, the scrappy Wildcats willed their way to a 65-61 victory in the Dee Events Center.

"There was never a concern. We knew we had to get on the other end and get some stops," said WSU guard Damian Lillard, shaking off a poor shooting night with a concentrated effort on the defensive end. His steal with 6.2 seconds to play and two subsequent free throws clinched the win.

For Weber State coach Randy Rahe, it was all about effort and being tough-minded; the Wildcats (4-3) had to be to overcome a 38 percent shooting night. Trevor Morris' career effort helped. The Wildcat center scored 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds.

"They stayed together and found a way to win," Rahe said. "Trevor was terrific tonight."

Scott Bamforth also enjoyed a big moment. The sophomore guard also struggled from the floor, but came off the bench and confidently buried a 3-point basket with 1 minute, 51 seconds remaining to give the Wildcats a 56-54 lead, their first advantage since the game's opening moments.

Following Bamforth's shot, Weber State's collective body language immediately changed. The Wildcats relaxed.

"Once that happened, it brought us close together," Bamforth said.

The Wildcats, cold as yesterday's dinner from the perimeter, struggled to keep pace with the aggressive Redhawks and fell behind by as much as 15 points in the first half. Lillard, who averages more than 22 points, watched as 3 after 3 rimmed out of the basket.

Rahe said later it didn't look as if the Wildcats would ever get over the hump.

"Things looked a little dire there at times," he said.

Led by Aaron Broussard, Seattle's leading scorer with 23 points, the Redhawks (3-8) shot 50 percent in the first half and took a 30-15 lead with eight minutes to play. Weber State slowly chipped away at the Redhawks' advantage.

Midway through the final half, freshman guard Jordan Richardson upped Weber State's defensive intensity, forcing Seattle out of its rhythm. The Redhawks shot 35 percent in the second half and also killed themselves at the foul line, converting only 8 of 17 attempts.

"They took the fight to us in the first half and we didn't fight back," Rahe said. "In the second half, we helped each other out a lot more. We'll get better. There's a long way to go."

martyr@sltrib.com —

Storylines

R Scott Bamforth's 3-point basket gives Weber State the lead with 1:51 to play.

• Weber State shoots 38 percent and trails by 15 before rallying late.

• Seattle misses 9 of 17 free-throw attempts.