As the regular season winds down, Washington State's basketball teams are gearing up for crucial road games that could shape their postseason destinies. The men's team has a clear path to the No. 4 seed in the WCC Tournament, but it all hinges on their performance in two pivotal matchups against LMU and Pepperdine.
First up, the Cougars face LMU, a team that has shown improvement lately. With a record of 14-15 and a recent surge in form, LMU presents a formidable challenge.
Key players like Jan Vide, Rodney Brown, and Myron Amey have been stepping up, but the status of Jalen Shelley remains uncertain. Shelley, who delivered a strong performance against the Cougars earlier this season, could be a game-changer if he returns.
Washington State, currently 12-17, will have the advantage of Tomas Thrastarson this time around, a player they missed in their last encounter. Adria Rodriguez has also found his rhythm, adding depth to the lineup. The Cougars have struggled on the road, but this game is within reach if they can maintain focus for the full 40 minutes.
On Saturday, the Cougars take on Pepperdine, a team with its own set of challenges. Despite an 8-21 record, the Waves have shown flashes of potential, notably with Aaron Clark's impressive shooting streak.
Clark has been on fire, averaging 26 points per game and hitting 53 percent from beyond the arc in recent outings. Pepperdine's lineup might be a bit thin if Danilo Dozic remains out, but they’ve proven they can compete.
For Washington State, getting contributions from players like Simon Hildebrandt and Emmanuel Ugbo will be crucial. The Cougars need a win here to solidify their tournament seeding.
Meanwhile, the WSU women's team is set for a Thursday game, with their seeding yet to be finalized. Facing San Diego, the Cougars aim to secure the No. 10 seed with just one more victory. Despite a challenging season, there's optimism they can finish strong.
Their first test is against Seattle U, a team that has struggled on the road. With a matchup against St.
Mary's following, the Cougars have a real shot at adding to their win column. Young talents like Keandra Koorits will be key to watch as the season wraps up.
Both teams have their work cut out for them, but there's a sense of opportunity in the air. For the Cougars, it's time to step up and seize the moment.