In Case You Missed It ...
PULLMAN, Wash. – A slow jog turned into a full sprint for Washington State (7-9, 2-3) against Colorado (10-6, 0-5) at Beasley Coliseum as the Cougars won in run-away fashion, 74-48, Sunday afternoon. Behind a huge second half including a 29-point fourth quarter, the Cougs turned a close game into a lopsided win in a series that had featured a bevy of nail-biters over the last few seasons. Unable to shake the Buffs in the first half, the Cougars finally created separation with a quick 9-2 burst to open the third as
Chanelle Molina and
Maria Kostourkova connected with a two-woman game from the perimeter to the post. After a small drought let the Buffs stay in the game,
Borislava Hristova took over to close the quarter, outscoring Colorado 8-4 as WSU doubled its lead heading into the fourth. Again, the Cougars used a quick burst to start the fourth to end any thoughts of a Colorado comeback, scoring the first seven of the final period to swell the lead to 21. The Cougs, who struggled from deep in the first three quarters, also found their stroke in the final 10 minutes, knocking down four of their five three-pointers in the quarter.
Prior to the second half, the Cougars let the Buffaloes hang around, even trailing 13-12 after one quarter of play. For WSU, 12 turnovers and a handful of missed layups stymied the offense early as the Cougars went just 9-of-23 from the floor in the first 20 minutes of play. After committing 12 first half turnovers, the Cougars gave the ball away just four times in the second half while playing a flawless third quarter.
Coach Ethridge Quote of the Game
"I thought the second half was really well played for us. The only issue that I had for us in the first half was I think we walked into the half time with four assists and 12 turnovers. We finished the game with 18 and 16 so we finished the second half 14 and four assists to turnovers. I think that was the difference in getting a little more consistency and obviously putting a few more points on the board in the second half…I though our disposition tonight was unbelievably determined. I think we always get that with Nelle but I thought Bobi really made a statement tonight with how she was going to guard and how she was going to rebound and her effort levels on running the floor, doing some things she hasn't quiet done that we want her to. I thought that made her really effective and I think it led our team more so than just having Nelle be that player. I am really happy for Bobi and that was the type of game we need her to have in all areas besides just scoring because we know she can do that."
Moments of the Game
Things You Need To Know
- WSU snapped a three-game skid in conference play while picking up its first home win in the Pac-12. The win was the Cougars' fourth in the last five games and sixth-straight at Pullman against Colorado.
- Borislava Hristova led all scorers with 23 points. It was her ninth 20-point game of the season and 16th-consecutive double-digit scoring game. She did much of her work at the free-throw line hitting a career-best 9-of-9. In addition to her scoring, Hristova added 10 rebounds to record her third double-double of the year.
- Just behind Hristova, Chanelle Molina posted a solid all-around effort as the Cougars' floor general finished her day with 18 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and four steals.Â
- Rounding out the Cougars' big four, Maria Kostourkova ended her day with 12 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks, while Alexys Swedlund finished with eight points on 3-of-4 shooting with all eight coming in a three-minute span midway through the fourth.
- As a team, the Cougars went a season-best 13-of-14 (92.9%) from the line.
- Colorado was led by Quinessa Caylao-Do who posted 18 points while Mya Hollingshed added 14.
- WSU outshot the Buffs 52.8% (28-of-53) to 34.5% (20-of-58) while posting a 38-to-27 rebounding advantage.
- The Cougs hit the road for a pair of games against the Bay Area schools beginning Friday, Jan. 18 at No. 24 Cal. The game is scheduled for 11:30 a.m.
