While Cougar fans continue to deal with the letdown from the football team’s stumble in the Apple Cup, the men’s basketball team is off to a 4-0 start.

Monday morning brought the usual meeting of WSU Director of Athletics Bill Moos and KXLY host Derek Deis, who shifted their focus this week to the Cougar football team’s loss in the Apple Cup as well as the basketball team’s successful start this season.

Shaking off Apple Cup

Anyone living in the Pacific Northwest is likely aware of what happened on the banks of Montlake Friday.

In the 108th meeting of the Washington State Cougars and the University of Washington Huskies, those donned in purple and gold defeated those in icy white and crimson with a final score of 45-10.

“The snowball effect” is how Moos explained what took place in the Apple Cup as the Huskies gained momentum with each Washington State mistake.

As the Huskies’ confidence grew, the Cougars’ composure fell.

The absence of redshirt sophomore quarterback Luke Falk was obvious as freshman Peyton Bender took his position in the wake of Falk’s recent injury. It was Bender’s first start and it just so happened that it was also on the road against a rival team. Bender maintained good poise until things started to go downhill for the Cougars as a whole.

The Huskies eventually scored off of three turnovers out of the seven committed.

Moos also said Falk’s long-term health is what’s most important and said he believes everyone will agree.

Understanding that game is over and done with, and focusing on the fact there is still one more game to play is what the Cougars’ mindset should be, Deis said.

Who that game will be against and where it will take place are still unknown, but the Cougars have 21 practices left to shake off what happened in Seattle and focus on the bowl game ahead.

A strong start for men’s basketball

After a 77-65 win over Texas Southern, the WSU basketball team is now 4-0 for the first time in five years. The Cougars are first in blocked shots as well as assists in the conference.

Last year, much of the Cougars’ schedule took place on the road, something Head Coach Ernie Kent says beat them up as other teams got to stay at home and build momentum.

This year, Washington State gets a taste of what that is like.

“Scheduling is crucial for early season success,” Kent said.

Kent said it is key for the players to understand their roles and responsibilities for every possession. Veteran members came into the season knowing what to expect and that has enabled them to help new members.

The Cougars will take on No. 13 Gonzaga at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in Beasley Coliseum.

Reporting by Payton Dineen