PULLMAN, Wash. (Hayden Wysup) -- The Washington State men's basketball team defeated Idaho 90-67 Friday night, at Beasley Coliseum.
Big Picture: Washington State moved to 3-0 and won its sixth consecutive Battle of the Palouse in the 279th all-time meeting between the schools.
Player Performances: Nate Calmese led the game in scoring with 18 points, three assists and three steals. LeJuan Watts recorded his second consecutive double-double with 16 points and a career-high 14 rebounds. Dane Erikstrup scored 14 points with three triples, and in his first game with the Cougs, ND Okafor finished with 12 points, six rebounds, a block, and a steal off the bench.
Between the Lines: All throughout the game Wazzu controlled the paint. The Cougs won the rebound battle 45-30, outscored the Vandals 46-34 in the paint, and had 10 blocks for the first time since rejecting 10 shots against Portland State, Dec. 2, 2023.
Turning Point: Early in the second half while leading 46-37, LeJuan Watts caught fire. The redshirt-sophomore scored 10-straight Wazzu points and capped it off with an electric putback slam to extend the Cougars lead to 56-41.
Coach Riley's Comments: "I think we learned a lot of good lessons. I don't think we started off the game with the energy or momentum we needed," Riley said. "Hopefully we can learn from that. It's always easier to learn during wins than losses."
Big Picture: Washington State moved to 3-0 and won its sixth consecutive Battle of the Palouse in the 279th all-time meeting between the schools.
Player Performances: Nate Calmese led the game in scoring with 18 points, three assists and three steals. LeJuan Watts recorded his second consecutive double-double with 16 points and a career-high 14 rebounds. Dane Erikstrup scored 14 points with three triples, and in his first game with the Cougs, ND Okafor finished with 12 points, six rebounds, a block, and a steal off the bench.
Between the Lines: All throughout the game Wazzu controlled the paint. The Cougs won the rebound battle 45-30, outscored the Vandals 46-34 in the paint, and had 10 blocks for the first time since rejecting 10 shots against Portland State, Dec. 2, 2023.
Turning Point: Early in the second half while leading 46-37, LeJuan Watts caught fire. The redshirt-sophomore scored 10-straight Wazzu points and capped it off with an electric putback slam to extend the Cougars lead to 56-41.
Coach Riley's Comments: "I think we learned a lot of good lessons. I don't think we started off the game with the energy or momentum we needed," Riley said. "Hopefully we can learn from that. It's always easier to learn during wins than losses."