LAS VEGAS, Nev. (November 5, 2025) – Washington State delivered its toughest, most cohesive performance of the young season on Wednesday night, pushing UNLV for four quarters before falling 64-51 at The Pavilion.

From the opening tip, the Cougars (0-2, 0-0 WCC) established a physical interior presence and showcased promising balance across the lineup.

Eleonora Villa powered the offense with 19 points on 8-of-15 shooting, repeatedly creating her own looks against a crowded lane.

The Cougars' defense was highlighted by seven blocks—three from Alex Covill, whose rim protection changed UNLV's shot selection early and often. Covill added six points and five rebounds while anchoring a front court that collectively grabbed 34 boards, nearly matching the Rebels on the glass.

Malia Ruud and Mackenzie Chatfield added key minutes off the bench, combining for six rebounds and three blocks, while the WSU reserves outscored UNLV's bench 9-8.

Charlotte Abraham finished with 10 points, five rebounds, and three assists in an all-around effort, while Tanja Valancic turned in a strong showing with seven points, eight rebounds, three assists, and active defense on the perimeter.

WSU's most dynamic run came late in the second quarter, when Abraham connected on a pair of threes and Valancic followed with a deep ball of her own to pull the Cougars level at 27-27.

Malvina Haziri provided a spark off the bench, knocking down a second-quarter three that helped WSU keep pace in a tightly contested first half that featured four ties and three lead changes.

Although the Cougars struggled to convert in the third quarter, they continued to generate quality looks and held UNLV without a three-pointer for the final 30 minutes. WSU also forced 12 Rebel turnovers and turned in a disciplined defensive performance despite difficult foul trouble.

Washington State closed strong, attacking the paint in the fourth quarter and holding the Rebels to just five made field goals in the final 10 minutes. Villa's late jumper trimmed the deficit to single digits, but a series of UNLV free throws, 24 made in all, ultimately prevented a final comeback push.


Notes

• Eleonora Villa's 19 points puts her at 970 career points, 30 away from 1,000 and becoming the 24th Coug to reach 1,000+ points.
• Alex Covill had three blocks tonight, pushing her at 118 career blocks, seventh all-time in program history.
• Villa has 100 career made threes, 33 away from joining the WSU all-time top-10 list.
• At 2,388 career minutes played, Villa is 612 away from 3,000 and 935 from top-10 all-time at WSU.
• Head Coach Kamie Ethridge has 199 career wins as a head coach, one away from 200.

Up Next
The Cougars continue the road trip at Southern Utah on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. PT.

Single-game tickets for the 2025-26 Women's Basketball season are on sale now. Fans wishing to purchase tickets can click on the link HERE, visit wsucougars.com to order online, or call the WSU Athletics Ticket Office at 1-800-GO-COUGS.

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