Pullman, Wash. (January 23, 2025) – Washington State women's basketball fell to Portland 83-65 Thursday night in Beasley Coliseum.

The Cougars (12-9, 7-3 WCC) fell to an early deficit and could not keep up with the Pilot offense.

Eleonora Villa led the Cougs in scoring with 13 points.

Candace Kpetikou added a career-high 12 points along with six rebounds off the bench.

Tara Wallack recorded 10 points, six rebounds and two assists.

In a clash between two teams near the top of the WCC, it was the Pilots that jumped out to an early lead. Three Portland three-pointers fueled a 15-5 run and led to a 20-13 lead that the Pilots commanded after the first quarter.

As Wazzu cut into the Pilots lead in the second, it was the Cougar bench that stepped up. The Cougs bench outscored Portland's in the first half 17-4, which included 11 combined points from Kyra Gardner and Kpetikou. After falling to an early 15-5 deficit, the Cougs fought back and trailed by only five, 34-29, going into halftime.

Coming out of the break, the Pilots caught fire again. Portland went on a 14-2 run and Wazzu faced another deficit. The Cougs found their shot near the end of the quarter, however, and a 14-6 run of their own to close out the half cut the Pilot lead back down to nine, 59-50.

Despite the Cougs fighting back all game, Portland would keep their lead throughout the final quarter and hold on for the 83-65 win.

RECORD BOOK CLIMBERS AND MILESTONE CHASERS
•    Tara Wallack's 10 points put her at 1,115 for her career, ranking 18th in program history.
•    With 32 minutes tonight, Wallack has played 3,532 career minutes, sixth all-time at WSU.
•    Wallack is also 428 minutes away from matching the most in program history.
•    Alex Covill's two blocks today puts her at 98 career blocks, tied for ninth all-time at WSU, and two away from 100.

NOTES
•    Candace Kpetikou scored in double-figures for the second-straight game, and for the third time this season.
•    Tara Wallack totaled 10+ points, 5+ rebounds and 1+ blocks in a game for the 11th time this season.

UP NEXT
The Cougs hit the road to take on LMU on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. and Oregon State on Monday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. Both games will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

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