Despite missing Cedric Coward, Isaiah Watts, and two others from the bench, the Cougars went to Las Vegas and handled the University of Northern Iowa Panthers in their final non-conference game of the season.
Despite being 7-5, UNI was ranked in the top 80 by both NET and KenPom, and plays in a strong Missouri Valley Conference. Wazzu, coming off a brutal loss in Seattle, needed to make a statement and did just that.
The game was similar to the Cougars win over Boise State earlier in December; the Cougs opened a massive lead that dwindled away in the second half, but hung on to win a big neutral site game.
WSU lead 49-26 at halftime, dominating pace of play and playing tough, physical defense. In the second half, UNI tried to make a comeback, pulling within five points, but Ethan Price sealed the win with a huge three with about a minute remaining. The final was 76-68, an eight-point Wazzu victory.
Nate Calmese led the Cougs with 16 points and six assists, despite making just one of six three-point attempts. Right behind him were Dane Erikstrup, with 15 points, and LeJuan Watts who scored 14. Erikstrup was hot from deep, sinking three of four threes, and Watts added twelve rebounds for his third double-double of the season.
Icelandic freshman Tomas Thrastarson made his first career start, taking the place of the injured Isaiah Watts in the lineup. Thrastarson scored a career-high seven points, while adding three rebounds and an assist. He made his only three-point attempt, and gave the Cougs 27 tough minutes.
“He’s got great footwork,” said coach David Riley. “His body for a freshman is crazy.”
Isaiah Watts could be seen on the sidelines wearing a cast on his left arm. There is still no official news on what his injury diagnosis is or how long he will be out, but a cast indicates the Cougs could be without him for at least a month, which is another tough blow for the Wazzu offense.
“I think we’ve had great leadership from the guys that are hurt like Cedric and Isaiah,” said Riley. He stressed the importance of team leaders to breathe confidence into the guys who are playing.
Meanwhile off the bench, redshirt freshman Parker Gerrits scored a career high six points, and Kase Wynott hit a three. ND Okafor scored six points and snagged three rebounds.
The neutral-site win goes in as a Quad two win for the Cougs, who are now 3-2 against Quad two opponents. They finish their non-conference slate with a 10-3 record, and went 4-2 at neutral sites.
The Cougs now have a week to rest and get healthy before going to Portland for their first West Coast Conference game on Dec. 28.
