Cougars Return Home to Host Portland as WCC Stretch Run Heats Up
Washington State women’s basketball is back in Beasley Coliseum this Thursday night, welcoming Portland for a one-game homestand in what’s shaping up to be a pivotal stretch of the West Coast Conference schedule. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. PT, with coverage streaming live on ESPN+.
After a grueling non-conference slate and a season riddled with injuries, the Cougars (5-21 overall, 4-9 WCC) are looking to build momentum as the regular season winds down. Thursday’s matchup marks their lone game of the week before hitting the road for their final road trip of the season, with stops at Gonzaga and Oregon State next week.
A Season Defined by Adversity
There’s no sugarcoating it - the Cougars have had to fight for every inch this season. A brutal 13-game non-conference schedule that featured top-tier programs like No.
5 LSU, Oregon, BYU, and Stanford left WSU battle-tested but bruised, entering conference play at just 1-12. And that was before the injury bug hit.
Starting center and defensive anchor Alex Covill missed 13 games, while transfer forward Lauren Glazier also spent time on the shelf early. Leading scorer Eleonora Villa was limited in a couple of games due to lingering cramps. That trio alone represents a significant chunk of WSU’s production on both ends of the floor, and their absences forced the team to get creative with rotations and rely heavily on underclassmen.
Villa Climbing the Record Books
Despite the challenges, Eleonora Villa has continued to shine. The junior guard has been a steady force in the backcourt and is rapidly climbing her way up the WSU record books.
With 1,369 career points, she sits 11th all-time in program history - just 116 points away from cracking the top 10. She’s also top 10 in career made threes (136), field goals (539), and minutes played (3,240), showcasing just how central she’s been to the program’s identity over the past three seasons.
Villa’s production this season speaks for itself. Nationally, she ranks among the top 40 in total points (442) and top 25 in made field goals (172).
In WCC play, she’s been one of the league’s most consistent scorers, leading in field goal attempts and ranking second in total points. Simply put, when Villa gets going, the Cougars go with her.
Freshman Impact: Malia Ruud and Keandra Koorits
While Villa has been the engine, WSU has found some bright spots in its younger ranks - particularly with true freshman Malia Ruud. The 6-foot forward has carved out a key role, averaging 9.1 points and shooting a crisp 45.7% from the field. She’s also pulled down 100 boards, blocked 12 shots, and swiped 18 steals - an all-around stat line that reflects her two-way potential.
Ruud’s efficiency has her ranked among the top 25 freshmen nationwide in field goal percentage, and her performances against Oregon (19 points) and San Diego (19 points) hint at a player who’s just scratching the surface.
Then there’s redshirt freshman Keandra Koorits, who made a statement right out of the gate with a 23-point debut - the most by a WSU freshman since Charlisse Leger-Walker in 2021, and the fourth-highest freshman debut in program history. Her offensive upside gives the Cougars another weapon as they look to finish strong.
Charlotte Abraham: A Quiet Force Inside
Junior forward Charlotte Abraham has quietly put together a solid campaign. With 454 career points, she’s closing in on the 500-point milestone.
She’s also been a presence on the glass, pulling down 162 rebounds this season - just 75 shy of cracking the program’s top 10 for a single season. Her development has been crucial in helping stabilize the frontcourt during Covill’s absence.
Covill’s Return Adds Defensive Edge
Speaking of Covill, her return to the lineup has been a welcomed boost. The 6-foot-6 center is already sixth all-time in program history with 142 career blocks and is just five away from moving into the top five.
She’s also within striking distance of 500 career points and 250 rebounds. Her rim protection and interior scoring give WSU a much-needed paint presence down the stretch.
20-Point Club: Offensive Firepower Emerging
One of the more intriguing storylines this season has been the emergence of multiple scoring threats. WSU has had four different players notch 20-point games this year - Villa (10 times), Abraham (2), Covill (2), and Koorits (1). The Cougars even had three players score 20+ in the same game against Santa Clara back on Jan. 10 - a feat not seen in the program since at least the 1999-2000 season.
That kind of offensive balance is rare, especially for a team that’s had to shuffle through eight different starters and seven unique lineups due to injury and youth. But it also speaks to the potential this group has when fully healthy and in rhythm.
Youngest in the Nation: Haziri Making Her Mark
Freshman guard Malvina Haziri has already made history just by stepping on the court. The Kosovo native is the youngest active player in NCAA Division I women’s basketball, having started her college career at just 16 years old before turning 17 in late December. Her development will be one to watch in the seasons ahead.
Series History: Portland Has the Edge
Thursday’s game marks the 13th all-time meeting between Washington State and Portland, with the Pilots holding a 10-2 advantage in the series. WSU’s last win came in December 2022, but Portland has won the last three matchups - including a 72-57 victory in last year’s WCC Tournament.
Looking Ahead
After Thursday, the Cougars hit the road for their final two away games of the regular season - a showdown at Gonzaga on Feb. 19 followed by a trip to Oregon State on Feb. 21. Both games will be streamed on ESPN+.
Coach Ethridge Signs On Through 2031
In a show of confidence for the program’s direction, WSU extended head coach Kamie Ethridge’s contract through the 2030-31 season. Ethridge, who’s helped guide the Cougars through a major conference transition and a rebuild, continues to lay the groundwork for long-term success in Pullman.
There’s no denying this has been a challenging season for Washington State, but there are signs of growth, grit, and a foundation being built. With Villa leading the charge, young talent emerging, and a renewed sense of stability, the Cougars are looking to close out the season with purpose - and maybe play spoiler along the way.