Washington State’s Quest for the No. 4 Seed: A Deep Dive
As the Washington State Cougars men's basketball team heads into a crucial stretch, the stakes couldn't be higher. With the No. 4 seed in the WCC Tournament on the line, Coach David Riley emphasizes that while the math is important, the team's preparation remains unchanged.
The Cougars face LMU on Wednesday and Pepperdine on Saturday, games that could define their season. Riley acknowledges the significance of securing that coveted seed but insists, "It doesn't affect how we do things."
The focus remains on executing their game plan, especially after learning tough lessons from their recent matchup against St. Mary's.
The path to the No. 4 seed is clear but challenging. Wins against LMU and Pepperdine, coupled with a Pacific victory over San Francisco, would position the Cougars favorably. In a potential three-way tie with Pacific and Oregon State, WSU holds the advantage due to their head-to-head record.
However, if San Francisco triumphs over Pacific, the tiebreaker scenario shifts, favoring Oregon State. The complexity increases if WSU stumbles, potentially leading to a five-team tie at 7-11, which could see the Cougars drop to ninth place.
The simplest route? Beat Pepperdine.
Securing at least one win guarantees a minimum finish of seventh, with two wins potentially elevating them to fifth. Finishing fourth is the dream scenario, offering a bye into the conference quarterfinals.
On another note, Coach Riley confirmed that Emmanuel Ugbo will not return this season. The senior forward from The Netherlands has been suspended due to off-court issues. "His suspension is going to be upheld," Riley stated, emphasizing the institution's decision.
As the Cougars navigate these pivotal games, the focus remains on playing their best basketball and seizing control of their tournament destiny.