Washington State vs. Saint Mary's: Season Finale Showdown
The Washington State Cougars women's basketball team is gearing up for their season finale against Saint Mary's this Saturday at Beasley Coliseum. The game tips off at noon PT and marks not only the end of the regular season but also a special Senior Day celebration. Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+.
Looking Ahead: The WCC Tournament
After wrapping up their regular season, the Cougars will set their sights on the West Coast Conference Basketball Tournament in Las Vegas, running from March 5-10. The tournament bracket and seedings will be revealed on March 1.
Cougars' Season in Review
It's been a challenging season for Washington State, with a 5-12 record in conference play and 6-24 overall. Injuries have played a significant role in their struggles. Key players like starting center Alex Covill and transfer forward Lauren Glazier missed crucial games, while leading scorer Eleonora Villa was limited at times due to cramps.
Despite these setbacks, the Cougars faced a tough non-conference schedule, battling top-tier teams like LSU, Stanford, and Texas Tech. All eight teams they faced are in the top 100 of the NET Rankings, with several in the top 50.
Player Highlights
- Eleonora Villa has been a standout, climbing the ranks in WSU history. With 1,414 career points, she's closing in on the top 10 all-time.
This season alone, she's racked up 487 points, just shy of breaking into the top 10 for a single season at WSU. Her impressive stats include 136 career three-pointers and 557 field goals, placing her among the program's best.
- Alex Covill is a defensive powerhouse with 146 career blocks, nearing the top five in program history.
- Charlotte Abraham is also making her mark, approaching 500 career points and aiming for a top-10 single-season rebound record.
Series History
Saint Mary's holds a slight edge over WSU in their all-time series, leading 7-6. However, the Cougars have been on a roll, winning the last three matchups.
Rising Stars and Fresh Faces
True freshman Malia Ruud has made an immediate impact, averaging 8.3 points per game. Her shooting efficiency is notable, ranking 29th nationally among true freshmen.
Keandra Koorits had a memorable debut, scoring 23 points, the most by a WSU freshman since 2012.
Malvina Haziri, the youngest player in NCAA Division I basketball, has also been a part of the Cougars' youthful lineup.
Preseason Expectations and Coaching Stability
The Cougars were predicted to finish third in the WCC preseason poll, a testament to the program's rising expectations. Head Coach Kamie Ethridge's contract extension through the 2030-31 season reflects the confidence in her leadership.
As the Cougars close out their season, fans can look forward to an exciting game and the promise of growth and development in the coming years. For those interested in attending future games, tickets are available through the WSU Athletics Ticket Office.