Box Score PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State started the game with a 40-0 run and cruised to an 84-34 victory over Idaho State University at Beasley Coliseum Sunday.
Nine different Cougars tallied points as Washington State improved to 2-0 for the first time since 2005-06. WSU shot nearly 42 percent from the floor including 10 three-pointers, forced 30 turnovers for the second straight game and held Idaho State (0-1) to 20 percent shooting. The 50-point margin of victory is the third-largest in school history, behind the 118-37 (81 points) victory over Alaska Anchorage in 1979 and 95-36 (59 points) win over Pacific Lutheran in 1978.
Senior guard Tia Presley led the way with 29 points, her 17th career 20-point game, after hitting a career-high six 3-pointers. Junior guard Lia Galdeira added 24 points, her 18th career 20-point effort and the Cougars improved to 5-1 when Galdeira and Presley each score 20+ points. Freshman forward Ashley Bolston chipped in with six points and eight rebounds while freshman center Bianca Blanaru blocked five shots, a WSU freshman single-game record.
Washington State was off and running after winning the opening tipoff, shooting over 60 percent and sinking four 3-pointers to open the game on a 40-0 run. The Cougar received points from five different players during the stretch including a combined 35 points from Galdeira and Presley who recorded 16 and 19, respectively. Idaho State sank one of two free throws to get on to the board at the 6:21 mark.
WSU shot 50 percent in the first half, connecting on seven 3-point field goals and scored 22 points off of 17 Bengal turnovers.
Washington State opened the second half with baskets by senior center Shalie Dheensaw and junior forward Mariah Cooks. Freshman guard Caila Hailey and Bolston each recorded their first career points. WSU held Idaho State to 21 percent shooting in the second half.
The Cougars continue their homestand Wednesday hosting No. 16 Nebraska. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. on the Pac-12 Networks.
