The WSU men’s basketball team travels to the University of Pacific Thursday night for a road rematch against the Tigers, kicking off what will likely be a difficult three-game stretch.
When Pacific came to Pullman in early January, the Cougars were expected to win easily. Instead, they were shocked by the Tigers, who led the whole game. The Cougars made a late push, forcing overtime and even taking a five-point lead in overtime, but ultimately lost on a buzzer-beater three, courtesy of Lamar Washington. Washington scored 40 points against the Cougs in Pacific’s 95-94 win.
This time around, the Cougars will be looking for revenge. Since beating the Cougs, Pacific is on a four-game losing streak. WSU, meanwhile, turned things around with wins over San Diego and Portland, but have since dropped a pair of games against Santa Clara and Saint Mary’s.
Both teams will be looking for a win, but the game is more important for the Cougars who theoretically still have a chance at the NCAA tournament if they are able to win out. With nine games remaining, every game matters for WSU.
The key for the Cougars will be limiting Pacific’s ability to score in the paint. Last time they played, the Tigers were able to consistently put up points in the key and it opened the game up for Washington to have a career game. Limiting Washington will likely be the Cougars top priority.
“We let Washington get hot too early,” said LeJuan Watts after the loss.
Since his 40-point afternoon in Pullman, Washington has scored 49 points, averaging 12.3 per game during their four-game losing streak.
Elias Ralph will also play a factor in the game, after exiting the first meeting between Wazzu and Pacific in the third minute with an injury that sidelined him for the rest of the game. Since then, the senior forward has averaged 15 points per game, including a 26-point performance against Portland.
The Cougars are also hoping to be healthier than last time around. Isaiah Watts is close to a return, and coach David Riley seemed optimistic that he could play at Pacific, saying they need to get medical confirmation.
Watts was averaging 12.5 points and 4.8 rebounds before he suffered a left-hand injury during the Cougars‘ loss at Washington.
The Cougars also now have Rihards Vavers back. The sophomore transfer from the University of Quinnipiac has made four of eight three-point attempts since his return.
“I’m catching the rhythm back,” said Vavers on this week’s Cougar Basketball Hour. “We’re gonna go over there, beat them, celebrate it.”
Vavers’ confidence is a good sign, but Riley said they are preparing for another close game.
“It’s gonna be a different game, they have a heck of coach who’s gonna put together a different gameplan,” said Riley.
Pacific has lost 25 of their last 26 games against the West Coast Conference; their only win during that stretch is against WSU. The Cougars should not take any game for granted but should remember that this game is not out of reach.
ESPN’s matchup predictor gives WSU an 88.1% chance of victory.