By Jessica Schmick on December 3, 2011 7:31 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

The Cougars hosted the Eastern Washington Eagles this afternoon in a physical, defense-oriented game. For the first 10 minutes of the game the Cougars and Eagles were trading the lead back and forth. Then, slowly, WSU began to pull away. It was a physical game with both teams battling for every board and every inch in the paint. Entering the second half the Cougs led 41-25. With the help of a three by Brock followed by a dunk that got the crowd on their feet, WSU continued to extend their lead. Eastern Washington didn't help themselves. Three of the Eagles' starters had four fouls apiece with over 12 minutes left in the game. By the time the final buzzer sounded four Cougars had scored in double figures, the Eagles had been outrebounded by 16, and the final score was 75-49.

Player of the Game:
Charlie Enquist. For the second consecutive game Washington State had a Coug post a double-double. Charlie Enquist posted his first career double-double with a career high 20 points and a career high 13 rebounds. Enquist shot 7-of-8 from the floor and 6-of-8 from the free throw line. He also snagged seven offensive boards and six defensive rebounds to lead the team. In addition to career highs in points and rebounds, Enquist also broke his career highs in minutes played (31), field goals attempted and made (7/8), and free throws attempted and made (6/8).

Play of the Game:
Brock's block. At the 15-minute mark and with the Cougs up by 14, Brock Motum had the ball at the top of the arc. He attempted to make a pass into the key, but the ball was stolen. Motum quickly got down the court to prevent a fast break bucket by the Eagles. Eastern Washington player Jeffrey Forbes attempted an easy layup, but Motum saw it coming the entire way. He elevated and caught the ball at the top of its arc, smashing it into the Eagles' bench. The ZZU CRU loved it and went nuts chanting, "You got swatted!" for a solid minute after the play.

Turning Point:
With 7:22 left in the first half. With a little over seven minutes to play in the first half, the Cougars and Eagles were see-sawing back and forth. An "and one" layup by Marcus Capers followed by a made free throw got the ball rolling for the Cougars. This began a 14-0 run by Washington State that put them up for good. During the run, the Eagles went 0-7 from the field and committed four fouls to put the Cougs into double-bonus, while WSU went 4-of-6 from the floor and 5-of-5 from the stripe.

Stat of the Game:
Rebounding margin. This was a physical battle, especially early on, and it was very clear that whoever could bring the ball down was scoring the points as well. The Cougars pulled in 45 rebounds compared to Eastern Washington's 29. WSU did a great job overall at controlling the paint. The Cougars also scored 32 points to the Eagles' 14 and this proved to be a difference maker in the game.

The Cougars are now 4-4 overall and will return to the hardwood Wednesday, Dec. 7 at Moscow, Idaho against the University of Idaho.

Waving the flag for Wazzu,

Jim Crawford

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• Crimson ZZU: Men's Basketball Blog