Seniors lead WSU to victory against Cal
Women’s basketball dominates California Golden bears with their high-intensity offense
Redshirt senior forward Borislava Hrisova attempts to dribble past California defense on Jan. 31 at Beasley Coliseum.
The WSU women’s basketball team defeated the California Golden Bears 92-66 Friday night in Pullman.
The Cougars (10-11, 3-6) got off to a hot start, making their first five shot attempts. After being down 4-3, WSU retook the lead and never trailed again.
Senior forward Borislava Hristova led the Cougars with 32 points and five rebounds. She shot 14-for-19 from the field and 3-for-3 from the free throw line.
Senior guard Chanelle Molina secured a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds as well as connecting on a full court-heave, which did not count as the ball was still on her fingertips at the buzzer.
“I always want the ball in my hands when the buzzer is winding down and that one felt really good,” Molina said. “The whole team was stunned at first. I couldn’t believe it.”
Head coach Kamie Ethridge said she’s disappointed Molina’s shot will not be a top play on ESPN.
California (8-12, 0-9) was led by freshman guard Jazlen Green who totaled 18 points including four shots from behind the arc.
WSU led at the half 47-32 behind 20 points from Hristova who was 9-for-11 at the break.
The Cougars shot a higher percentage than Golden Bears in the first half as WSU shot 22-37 while Cal was 12-33 from the field.
Not only did the Cougars shoot the ball at a higher efficiency, but they attempted more shots due to the turnovers they were able to force.
By halftime, Cal had committed 12 turnovers and WSU freshman center Bella Murekatete had two steals.
The Cougars were efficient all game long as they shot 58 percent from the field, 40 percent from the 3-point line and went 6-6 with their free throws.
Carson is a junior journalism major from Redmond, Washington. He is the historian of his fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi.