Feb 26, 2004

Box Score

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) - Marcus Moore and Jeff Varem each scored 21 points as Washington State kept its Pac-10 Tournament hopes alive with an 83-70 win over Arizona State here Thursday night.

Thomas Kelati added 14 points for the Cougars (12-13, 6-9 Pac-10), who maintained their hold on eighth place in the league standings - the cutoff point to qualify for the conference tournament.

Arizona State (10-15, 4-12) remained in the Pac-10 cellar despite Ike Diogu's 28 points.

The Sun Devils closed to 62-58 with 6:10 left before Marcus Moore gave the Cougars some breathing room with a leaner off the glass and a reverse layup.

Varem later added seven straight points, including a 3-point play, that put the Cougars ahead 73-63 with 3:23 remaining.

Arizona State had led 41-37 at halftime behind Diogu's 24 points. He closed the half with 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field.

Washington State trailed 47-41 with 15:50 to play before Moore and Varem keyed a comeback.

Jamal Hill finished with 14 points and Stevie Moore 10 for the Sun Devils.