WSU has now completed its non-conference slate, going 10-3, and will next head to Portland to take on the Pilots in their first conference game as a member of the West Coast Conference.
WSU (10-3) is ranked No. 79 by KenPom and No. 68 by the NET rankings.
Portland (5-8) is ranked No. 319 by KenPom and No. 335 by the NET rankings. They are projected to finish last place in the WCC and will be the lowest ranked opponents the Cougars face all year.
Historically, WSU has dominated the Pilots, with a record of 11-2 against the University of Portland. Their last matchup was in 2011.
Portland and WSU have not played any common opponents this season. Portland’s best game was a loss to Oregon, in which they were competitive and ultimately lost 80-70.
The Cougars will still be without guard Isaiah Watts, who was injured in last weeks game against the Washington Huskies. True freshman Tomas Thrastarson is expected to make his second career start.
According to the ESPN matchup predictor, the Cougs have a 91% chance of victory while the Pilots have a 9% chance of victory. WSU is favored by 13 points.
