And because of that worry, the Weber State University men's basketball coach spoke glowingly about the Bobcats, even if they haven't won a Big Sky tournament game since 1999.
Still, as the Wildcats prepare for tonight's first-round game against Montana State, which tips off at 7:05 p.m. before what is expected to be a large crowd at the Dee Events Center, Rahe was full of compliments. And it didn't seem like typical coachspeak, either.
"They just have so many ways that they can score," Rahe said. "They are a difficult matchup for us. The last time we played them here, they outplayed us for 30 minutes before we came back to beat them. They can really score the ball, so I expect this to be a close game."
Should third-seeded Weber State win this game, it will travel to Portland on Tuesday to take on Northern Arizona at the Rose Garden, where top-seeded Portland State will be the host.
As of now, the Wildcats are defending the Big Sky crown they won last season. It goes without saying that Weber State seeks another title and another trip to the NCAA Tournament.
Actually getting it won't be easy.
"If we're going to be successful in this tournament we have to be the more aggressive team," Rahe said. "The more aggressive team is the team that will win."
To that extent, the Wildcats will rely on the inside artistry of Arturas Valeika and the outside marksmanship of Dezmon Harris, both seniors. Valeika, who led the league in rebounds by grabbing 10 per game, was named first team all-conference this season.
Harris, who starts at the point, led Weber State by scoring 10.9 points per game, finishing third in the league in free-throw percentage. He was named second team all-league.
Valeika and Harris have been around for the Wildcats and they know what it takes to win in the postseason. If Weber State is to emerge victorious tonight, they will likely play a huge role.
"I hope the experience does help us," Rahe said. "Both teams have guys that are experienced, though. They have four seniors just like we have four seniors. But it's always nice to have that experience."
tjones@sltrib.com
Where: Dee Events Center
Tipoff: Today, 7:05 p.m.
Radio: 1430 AM
Records: Weber State 15-13, 10-6; Montana State 15-14, 7-9
Last meeting: Weber State, 73-63 (Feb. 21)
Line: Weber State by 6
First Round
Today
No. 3 Weber State vs. No. 6 Montana State, 7 p.m.
No. 5 Montana at No. 4 Idaho State, 7 p.m.
Semifinals
Tuesday in Portland, Ore.
No. 2 Northern Arizona vs. higher seed, 6:30 p.m.
No. 1 Portland State vs. lower seed, 9 p.m.
Championship
Wednesday in Portland, Ore.
Semifinal winners, 7 p.m.
