SEATTLE, Wash. (January 4, 2026) – Washington State women's basketball leaned on its interior presence and late-game composure Sunday afternoon, edging Seattle U 73-69 at the Redhawk Center to secure a West Coast Conference road win.

The Cougars (3-14, 2-2 WCC) shot efficiently inside, scoring 42 points in the paint while shooting an efficient 47.5 percent from the field and out-rebounding the Redhawks 38-37.

Alex Covill finished with a dominant all-around performance in her first-career double-double, posting 26 points, 10 rebounds and seven blocks – all career-highs – while Eleonora Villa added 23 points and four assists to pace the Cougars.

Keandra Koorits chipped in with nine points and a couple of rebounds. Lauren Glazier tallied eight points and a block, and Charlotte Abraham had eight boards and six points.

WSU set the tone early by pounding the paint, with Covill establishing position inside from the opening minutes. After Seattle U briefly grabbed momentum with a pair of early three-pointers, WSU answered by feeding Covill on consecutive possessions and getting downhill looks from Villa. A late first-quarter push, capped by a Koorits layup in the final minute, gave the Cougars a 25-24 edge at the end of the first.

Washington State created separation in the second quarter by turning defense into offense. A steal by Jean Chiu sparked a transition opportunity, and Glazier finished on the break to ignite a decisive run. Villa controlled the pace, slicing into the lane for scores and finding teammates as the Cougars closed the half on a 12-2 surge. Covill's free throws in the final seconds punctuated a strong stretch, giving WSU a 45-37 lead at intermission.

Seattle U made its push after halftime, trimming the margin with improved ball movement and second-chance points. The Redhawks pulled within three midway through the third quarter, but Covill steadied the Cougars again, scoring through contact and altering shots at the other end. Her interior finish late in the period helped Washington State carry a 55-54 advantage into the fourth.

The Cougars responded when it mattered most. Koorits knocked down a key three early in the final quarter, and Villa followed with a driving layup to push the lead back to two possessions. Covill continued to anchor the defense with timely blocks, while Washington State converted at the free-throw line down the stretch to keep Seattle U at arm's length and seal the 73-69 victory.


Notes

• Eleonora Villa's 23 points puts her at 1,224 career points, 15th in program history and 64 from 14th.
• Villa made one three, putting her at 122 career made threes, 11 away from joining the WSU all-time top-10 list.
• Villa made 10 field goals, totaling 483 career made field goals, 17 from 500.
• Now at 2,914 career minutes played, Villa is 86 away from 3,000 and 409 from top-10 all-time at WSU (3,323).
• Alex Covill's seven rejections put her at 125 career blocks, seventh all-time in program history and 10 from moving up to sixth.
• Covill also has 210 career rebounds, 40 away from 250, and 367 career points, 133 from 500.
• Charlotte Abraham's six points puts her at 350 career points, 150 away from 500.
• Abraham's eight rebounds put her at 115 for the season, 122 away from top-10 all-time at WSU in a single-season (237).
• Abraham also now has 202 career rebounds, 48 from 250.
• Covill posted career-highs in points (26), rebounds (10) and blocks (7) for her first career-double-double.
• Covill's seven blocks ties for the second-most in a single game in program history.
• 26 points from Covill is the most a Cougar has scored in a single game this season, and the most since Charlisse Leger-Walker scored 26 against Gonzaga on Nov. 9, 2023.
• A Cougar has now recorded a double-double in three of their four WCC games this season.
• Covill also had career-highs with 10 made field goals and six made free throws.
• Malia Ruud matched a career-high with three assists.

Up Next
The Cougars return to Pullman for a pair of weekend home games, starting with Oregon State on Thursday, Jan. 8 at 6 p.m. before Santa Clara comes to town on Saturday, Jan. 10 at noon. Both games will be broadcast live on ESPN+ with Trevor Williams and Mary Murphy on the call.

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.

For all the latest WSU women's basketball news, photos and videos, like the team on Facebook (facebook.com/WSUCougarWBB), or follow on Twitter (@WSUCougarWBB) and Instagram (@wsucougarwbb).