PULLMAN, Wash. — Andrej Jakimovski scored 21 points to lead Washington State to an 84-59 victory over Idaho in its season opener on Monday night at Beasley Coliseum.
Jakimovski sank 8-of-16 shots with three 3-pointers for the Cougars. Redshirt freshman
Myles Rice, who missed all of last season battling Hodgkin's Lymphoma, finished with 13 points, four rebounds, and three assists in a start.
Isaac Jones totaled 13 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Rueben Chinyelu, a 6-foot-11 freshman, added eight points and eight rebounds in a start.
Quinn Denker scored 12 points to lead the Vandals.
Idaho shot 34.6% from the floor and made just 5-of-25 from 3-point range. WSU shot 54.4% overall and made 7-of-18 from distance.
Jakimovski scored 11 points in the first half to guide the Cougars to a 41-28 lead in the 278th Battle of the Palouse. The schools are separated by eight miles and boast one of the oldest rivalries in college basketball, dating back to 1906. The Cougars lead the 11th-longest running series 168-110.
Postgame Notes
- WSU improved to 168-110 all-time against Idaho, picking up its 100th win at home in the 117 -year-old rivalry
- Three incoming transfers including fifth-year seniors Isaac Jones and Joseph Yesufu, along with junior transfer Oscar Cluff all made their WSU debuts
- Two Cougar freshmen started in their first career games, including Myles Rice and Rueben Chinyelu
- Freshman Isaiah Watts also made his first career appearance off the bench
- Three Cougars scored in double figures, led by senior Andrej Jakimovski with 21 points, one shy of his career high
- Sophomore AJ Rohosy earned his first career assist and first career rebound
