Cougars Hit Offensive Stride in 104-74 Rout of Portland
PULLMAN, Wash. - The Washington State Cougars found their rhythm and then some on Saturday afternoon, lighting up Beasley Coliseum with a season-high 104 points in a dominant 30-point win over Portland. With the victory, WSU not only secured its third straight win but also completed a season sweep of the Pilots, improving to 11-13 overall and 6-5 in conference play.
This wasn’t just a win - it was a statement. The Cougars were clicking in every phase of the game, putting together their most complete offensive performance of the season.
They shot a blistering 55 percent from the field, matched their season high with 16 made threes, and dished out a season-best 26 assists. That kind of ball movement and shot-making doesn’t just happen - it’s the product of chemistry, execution, and confidence.
Yalaho’s Career Day Fuels the Fire
Junior forward Eemeli Yalaho was the engine behind the Cougars’ offensive surge, turning in a career-high 26 points to go along with a team-best nine rebounds. From the opening tip, he set the tone.
Yalaho dropped 16 points in the first half alone, going a perfect 5-for-5 from the floor and 3-for-3 from deep. When your big man is stretching the floor like that and cleaning the glass, it opens up everything else.
And the Cougs took full advantage.
Vavers, Glass, and Rodriguez Keep the Ball Moving
Rihards Vavers continued his hot shooting, knocking down five of his seven three-point attempts and finishing with 18 points. He was one of six Cougars to hit from beyond the arc, showing just how deep WSU’s perimeter threats run right now.
But what really stood out was the unselfishness. Senior Adria Rodriguez handed out a career-high nine assists, while freshman Ace Glass added seven of his own - also a career best.
The Cougars committed just eight turnovers all game, a testament to their control and poise. When you’re moving the ball like that and taking care of it, good things usually follow.
On Saturday, it led to 104 points - the most WSU has scored in regulation at Beasley Coliseum in 30 years.
A Second-Half Surge Leaves Portland in the Dust
To Portland’s credit, they didn’t fold early. The Pilots cut the lead to just two with 11 minutes to play, threatening to flip the script.
But that’s when WSU slammed the door shut. The Cougars responded with an 11-0 run over the next three and a half minutes, re-establishing a double-digit cushion and never looking back.
It was the kind of run that shows maturity - the ability to absorb a punch and come back swinging.
Bench Brings the Boost
WSU’s bench also made its presence felt, chipping in 29 points. Freshman Parker Gerrits led the second unit with a career-high 11 points - his first game in double figures - giving the Cougars another weapon in what’s becoming a deeper, more balanced rotation.
What’s Next
With momentum building, Washington State now turns its attention to a midweek road test in Corvallis against Oregon State. Tip-off is set for Wednesday, February 4 at 8 p.m. PT, with coverage on CBS Sports Network.
If the Cougars can bottle up what they did Saturday - the ball movement, the shooting, the energy - they’ll be a tough out for anyone down the stretch.