In the world of college basketball, resilience is often the name of the game, and Washington State is proving they have it in spades. This season, the Cougars have been a study in contrasts, particularly when comparing their performances at home and on the road. Wednesday’s 87-70 victory over Pacific was a testament to their ability to bounce back when it matters most.
The Tigers had whittled down an 11-point Cougar lead to a mere point with just over 13 minutes left on the clock. It was a moment that could have mirrored past struggles, like the recent collapse in Corvallis.
But this time, playing on their home turf, Washington State showed they could hit back. Jerone Morton’s back-to-back threes sparked a 28-12 run that secured the win and kept the Cougars in the hunt for a coveted No. 4 seed in the WCC.
David Riley, reflecting on the game, emphasized the home-court advantage, noting, "There is more positive energy when you're at home." The Cougars have indeed shown they can rally at home, a skill they’re hoping to translate to future road games.
Beyond the win, the Cougars’ offense was firing on all cylinders. With just seven turnovers, a 56.7 percent shooting performance, and a 50 percent success rate from beyond the arc, they piled up 87 points. Rihards Vavers was a standout, scoring 21 points, marking his eighth consecutive game in double figures.
The return of Tomas Thrastarson was a significant boost for Washington State. After missing 12 games due to a foot injury, Thrastarson contributed 11 points and five rebounds, showcasing his trademark toughness and defensive prowess.
Coach Riley praised Thrastarson’s impact, particularly his defensive work on Elias Ralph and a crucial tip-in offensive rebound. "He's someone that I really trust out there," Riley said, highlighting the sophomore’s veteran presence.
Looking ahead, the Cougars face two major challenges: conquering the top teams in the WCC and improving their road performance. They are winless against Gonzaga, St.
Mary's, and Santa Clara since joining the conference. Saturday’s showdown with St.
Mary's presents another opportunity, especially given the Gaels' vulnerabilities on the road.
If the Cougars can’t topple St. Mary's, victories against LMU and Pepperdine on the road become essential. With a 1-9 road record, overcoming these hurdles is crucial for securing that No. 4 seed.
The game’s turning point came when Morton’s threes and Okafor’s quick points shifted momentum firmly in favor of Washington State. After that, the Cougars never looked back, maintaining a double-digit lead for the remainder of the game.
Vavers’ shooting was stellar, hitting 8-of-12 from the field and 5-of-7 from three-point range. Okafor added 15 points, Yalaho chipped in with 10 points and eight rebounds, and Thrastarson’s return was a game-changer.
Washington State’s ability to limit turnovers to just seven, leading to only 11 points for Pacific, was key. Their bench also outperformed Pacific’s, contributing 25 points and helping nail 14 threes.
In summary, the Cougars needed this win, and they achieved it in style, shaking off past disappointments and setting their sights on future challenges. Their next test comes against a formidable St. Mary's team on Saturday, a game that promises to be a true measure of their progress.