PULLMAN, Wash. (Hayden Wysup) – With six new faces making their Cougar debut, it was two newcomers off the bench that helped the Washington State men's basketball to a 74-66 win over New Mexico in an exhibition game Saturday night at Beasley Coliseum. 
 
Senior transfer Emmanuel Ugbo led the team in scoring with 16 points off the bench. The senior also grabbed seven rebounds, one assist, two steals, and one block. Senior transfer Simon Hildebrandt added 10 points off the bench with a pair of threes. 
 
Sophomore returner Tómas Thrastarson, led all starters with 13 points. Junior returner ND Okafor added nine points, while grabbing a game-high 14 rebounds, and swatting two blocks.
 
Washington State held New Mexico to just 26.7 percent shooting from the field and 25 percent from 3-point range. Despite coughing up 19 turnovers, Wazzu found an advantage in attacking the rim, drawing 30 fouls, and finishing 29-of-43 at the free throw line.
 
The Washington State Cougars will open the regular season at home Monday, November 3 at 6:30 p.m. against Idaho at Beasley Coliseum.