WSU men’s basketball (1-0) handled business in their first game of the year against University of Idaho (0-1). The final score was 84–59.

The Cougs opened the game on a 7–0 run. Myles Rice, who started the game at point guard, had two of those points, his first two of his career. By the end of the game, Rice had added another 11.

That first half started closer than the Cougs probably wanted, with the run being met quickly with Idaho scoring and a tightening Idaho defense. It was within four for a moment, but a fleeting one, and with six minutes left in the half the Cougs led by 20 points. By the end of the half the lead was 41–28, and the Cougs were just getting started.

Andrej Jakimovski led all scorers with 11 points on 44% shooting, and he had hit a three. With 17 minutes he led the Cougs and the game, followed closely by Joseph Yesufu with 15 minutes and Rice with 14.

This Cougar offense looks improved from last year. Having an experienced interior threat like former Vandal Isaac Jones creates open looks for shooters constantly, and Jones has the passing finesse to get the ball out where it needs to be.

The defense looks good too, with active Cougar hands… or paws… keeping Idaho’s dribblers in check and huge shot blockers preventing anyone from gaining serious leverage inside. 

The second half looked a lot like the first half in the best way. Jakimovski had the keys to the offense, and he drove. The forward/guard/center/hooper just kept scoring, the longest-tenured Coug proving why he has been a part of this team for so long. He finished with 21 points on 50% shooting, hitting three of his eight tries from outside.

The Cougar interior continued to dominate, with the rebound differential growing from 10 to 19 in the second half. Idaho is just about the best matchup on the schedule for this frontcourt, and the Cougs took advantage of that.

Jones had 13 points and nine rebounds against his former team, and he led the team in plus-minus with a plus-23. He also had two steals.

Rueben Chinyelu finished with eight points and eight boards, and he led the game in blocks with three.

Oscar Cluff hit the stat sheet a bit, with eight points, four boards and a block, but his real impact came off the box score. He used his size perfectly to prevent the Vandals from scoring inside even when the other bigs were out, and his dunks got the crowd and the team going like only dunks can.

Head coach Kyle Smith clearly wanted to test out as many lineups as possible this game, and with a double-digit lead you are able to do that a lot better. Highlights include a three-guard lineup with Jones at center and a two center lineup with Chinyelu and Cluff.

The starting guards Rice and Yesufu both filled their roles well. Yesufu only scored five points, but his defensive presence was visible in every minute he played. Most impressive was his speed. Yesufu runs the floor faster than can be comprehended, even when he has the ball.

Rice was the big story of the game.

“I always envisioned myself, first game back, I just knew I was going to produce in a positive way.” Rice said in the postgame press conference. “I just knew I was gonna be in here talking to you guys after game one.”

Rice’s 13 points and three assists in his 29 minutes were extremely valuable. He found the right passes, took the right shots, and played the right defense. It was just about the best way his first game in college could have gone. 

Quinn Denker led Idaho with 12 points. He played 32 minutes. Idaho’s Julius Mims was probably the best Vandal on the night, with six points, seven rebounds, three steals and a block. He got in foul trouble and played only 23 minutes, but his fight against the vaunted Cougar bigs was admirable.

This team has serious promise. There are always overreactions this early in the season, but this really does not feel like one. They look comfortable playing together. The final score of 84–59 shows that.

Next up for the Cougs is Prairie View A&M, who blew them out last year in what was the first warning sign of a rough early season. Anything is possible, but it feels like this time around will probably go a little differently.

That rematch will happen at 7 p.m. Friday in Beasley Coliseum. It will be broadcast on Pac-12 Washington.