Washington State vs. Seattle U: Women's Basketball Showdown
The Washington State Cougars are set to face off against Seattle U at Beasley Coliseum on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 6 p.m. PT. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+ with the dynamic duo of Trevor Williams and Mary Murphy bringing the play-by-play.
A Splash of Pink at Beasley
Thursday's matchup marks WSU's annual Pink Game. The Cougars will don their pink jerseys, and fans are encouraged to join in the spirit by wearing pink. Pink pom-poms will be handed out, adding a vibrant touch to the atmosphere.
Looking Ahead
The Cougars will close out their season with a game against Saint Mary's on Saturday, Feb. 28, at noon. This game doubles as Senior Day, honoring the program's seniors with a post-game ceremony. As always, Williams and Murphy will be on the call for ESPN+.
Inside the Cougars' Season
It's been a challenging season for WSU, standing at 5-24 overall and 4-12 in WCC play. Injuries have played a significant role, with key players like Alex Covill and Lauren Glazier missing critical games. Eleonora Villa, the team's leading scorer, has also faced her share of setbacks.
The Cougars' non-conference schedule was no walk in the park, featuring top-tier teams like LSU, Stanford, and Oregon. Despite the tough competition, these games have provided valuable experience.
Chasing Records
Eleonora Villa is on the cusp of several milestones. With 1,399 career points, she's closing in on the top 10 in program history. Villa is also making her mark with 136 career three-pointers and 552 field goals.
Alex Covill is another standout, with 146 career blocks-just one shy of moving up the ranks. Charlotte Abraham is also making waves, nearing 500 career points and a potential spot in WSU's single-season rebounding records.
Series History
This marks the 14th meeting between WSU and Seattle U, with the Cougars leading the series 11-2. The Redhawks haven't claimed victory since 1981, and they remain winless in Pullman.
Standout Performances
Eleonora Villa has been a force, ranking high nationally in several categories. Freshman Malia Ruud has also impressed, with standout games against Stanford and Oregon. Her shooting percentage places her among the top true freshmen in the nation.
WSU made history against Santa Clara with three players scoring 20+ points-a first since at least the 1999-2000 season. The team’s depth is evident with multiple players hitting the 20-point mark throughout the season.
Dynamic Lineups
Injuries and a youthful roster have led to eight different starters and seven unique lineups for the Cougars this season. Despite the challenges, players like Keandra Koorits have stepped up, delivering memorable performances.
Youth Movement
Freshman guard Malvina Haziri is the youngest active player in NCAA Division I basketball, starting her season at just 16 years old.
Preseason Expectations
The Cougars were picked to finish third in the WCC preseason poll, reflecting high expectations from coaches and media alike.
Coach Ethridge's Commitment
Head Coach Kamie Ethridge recently signed a contract extension, securing her place in Pullman through the 2030-31 season.
Fans can grab tickets for the remaining games and stay updated with all things WSU women's basketball through their social media channels.