Men’s basketball loses to the Miners

Adam Loewy Evergreen reporter

Despite WSU freshman Que Johnson’s career high 21-points, the Washington State men’s basketball team failed to stop University of Texas El Paso on defense late in the second half, as the Miners beat the Cougars 64-51. 

WSU (6-5) snapped their three game winning streak scoring a season low of 51 points, as UTEP (7-4) held the Cougars to 34 percent shooting from the field.

“He’s (Johnson’s) been showing spurts and it was the second half where he really got it going and he’s starting to show what he’s capable of doing,” said men’s basketball Head Coach Ken Bone.

 WSU was slow coming out of the tunnel, committing six turnovers, resulting in six points for UTEP, while shooting 0-5 from the field. The Cougars offensive woes continued, unable to get into a rhythm during the first half, and hitting just one of 12 from behind the 3-point line. 

“Their (UTEP’s) length and their quickness to get to the ball and get a hand up and contest it really bothered us,” said Bone. 

After trailing by as much as 16 in the second half, WSU showed signs of life.  Johnson, sparked new energy for the Cougars, attacking the basket and cutting the lead to as close as eight points. However, it wasn’t quite enough as UTEP closed the door in the final minutes of the game, led by Vince Hunter with 15 points. 

DaVonte Lacy added a total six points for the Cougars, but was inefficient offensively for most of the game. D.J. Shelton finished the night leading all rebounders with eleven. 

The Cougs will try to re-group before taking on their last non-conference opponent, Mississippi Valley State, on Dec. 28.