Ahead of their matchup with Gonzaga, No. 24 WSU women’s basketball (2-0) received their Pac-12 Championship rings they won after their spectacular Tournament run last season. The bling was nice and the players showed off their new piece of their jewelry collection.
Having to put that behind them, Gonzaga proved to be a tough foe. The Bulldogs got off to a 19-13 lead after the first quarter, but then were held to seven in the second quarter. While still holding a 26-25 lead at half, WSU looked to have momentum. Yvonne Ejim of Gonzaga and Eleonora Villa of WSU led the two teams with 10 points a piece, all other players scoring five or less through one half.
Bella Murekatete closes out on a Gonzaga three-point attempt, Nov. 9, in Pullman, Wash.
Despite the slow start from both teams, the second half was a battle of the two star players: Charlisse Leger-Walker, multiple time Pac-12 All-Conference player, and Kaylynne Truong, the reigning West Coast Conference Player of the Year.
Leger-Walker had 20 points, five rebounds and shot a perfect 9-of-9 from the free-throw line in the second half, finishing the game overall with 26 points on 8-of-19 shooting, six rebounds and four assists in 38 minutes of action. Truong had 14 points in the second half, adding five assists and shooting 50% from both the field and from beyond the arc. Overall, she finished with 22 points and six assists over 38 minutes of action. Advantage: Leger-Walker.
Leger-Walker’s right hand woman, Bella Murekatete, struggled. With just eight points and seven rebounds, the starting five fouled out near the end of the fourth quarter.
Astera Tuhina stepped up big, adding 15 points and seven rebounds. However, her biggest play was when she tipped a pass that left Kayleigh Truong with the ball near half court. In the blink of an eye, she was forced into attempting a tight-rope act to avoid the over-and-back call, which she failed to do, giving the Cougs possession.
Kayleigh Truong tries to save the ball at the last second to avoid going over and back the half-court line, Nov. 9, in Pullman, Wash.
Jenna Villa had just three points, but she played strong defense in her 18 minutes of action. Tara Wallack had just four points, but dominated the glass with nine rebounds. Beyonce Bea, like many others did not stuff the offensive stat sheet, but provided so much value. On top of her six points, she had 11 rebounds, two assists, three blocks and a steal.
Despite an insane three-pointer by Gonzaga forcing OT, the Cougs remained unphased. Dominating the extra five minute period, the Cougs never relinquished controll and Kamie Ethridge has her squad starting hot at 2-0.
