Washington State Heads to Oregon, Oregon State
Cougars expect a war with Pac-10 rivals.
February 8, 1999
PULLMAN, Wash. - After an exciting four-game homestand, it's time for
Washington State to hit the road again. The Cougars visit their Northwest
neighbors in Oregon with a Thursday tilt at Eugene's historic Mac Court and
a Saturday evening reunion in Corvallis' Gill Coliseum.
| Tentative Cougar Starters |
| No. |
Name |
Pos. |
Ht. |
Wt. |
Cl. |
1998-99 Statistics |
| 5 |
Mike Bush |
F |
6-5 |
186 |
FR |
7.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg |
| 13 |
Kojo Mensah-Bonsu |
F |
6-5 1/4 |
217 |
SR |
13.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg |
| 44 |
Eddie Miller |
C |
6-6 |
216 |
SO |
11.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg |
| 4 |
Jan-Michael Thomas |
G |
5-10 1/2 |
169 |
JR |
16.0 ppg, 2.3 rpg |
| 12 |
Kab Kazadi |
G |
6-0 |
184 |
SR |
3.8 ppg, 1.9 rpg |
| Reserves |
| 34 |
Chris Crosby |
F |
6-7 |
215 |
JR |
14.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg |
| 41 |
Steve Slotemaker |
F |
6-9 |
221 |
SR |
4.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg |
| 3 |
Blake Pengelly |
PG |
5-10 |
163 |
JR |
4.0 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 3.4 apg |
| 40 |
Brian Stewart |
C |
6-10 1/4 |
223 |
SO |
2.2 ppg, 0.9 rpg |
| 42 |
Will Hutchens |
G |
6-3 1/2 |
201 |
SR |
2.1 ppg, 1.7 rpg |
| 54 |
Leif Nelson |
C |
6-10 1/2 |
272 |
SR |
2.1 ppg, 1.8 rpg |
| 10 |
Cedric Clark |
G |
5-11 1/2 |
175 |
SO |
0.0 ppg, 0.5 rpg |
WSU-OREGON SERIES: Oregon leads 137-115. Each of the last seven games have
been decided by 11 points or less (an average of 6.0 points per game). The
Cougars and Ducks have met 252 times; WSU has played only Oregon State (257
games) and Idaho (253 games) more often. The Ducks should overtake Idaho
during the 1999-2000 season. Oregon has won three in a row versus the
Cougars following an 87-83 triple-overtime decision earlier this season in
Pullman and last year's sweep (71-62 in Eugene, 64-63 in Pullman). The
Cougars' last victory in Eugene was a 76-59 decision during the 1994-95
season. The series dates back to a 15-12 WSU win in 1907-08.
WSU-OREGON STATE SERIES: Oregon State leads 148-109. This is the 258th
renewal of a Washington State-Oregon State series that used to be dominated
by the Beavers. WSU has had the upper hand lately having won three in a
row. The Cougs won 84-79 earlier this year in Pullman and swept in 1997-98
(69-53 in Corvallis; 80-68 in Pullman). In fact, the Cougs have taken 10 of
the last 11 overall from the Beavers and four of the last five played at
Gill Court. OSU's last win in this series was a 61-49 win in Corvallis
during the 1996-97 season. Prior to this season's squeaker, the last four
games had been blowouts. The closest margin of victory was 12 points. The
series dates back to a 30-14 OSU win during the 1906-07 season.
RADIO NOTE: Due to the Sonics broadcast on KJR, the WSU-OSU game will be
broadcast on KRPM AM 1090 in the Seattle area. All other radio affiliates
are unchanged.
THIS WEEK
Radio: The Crimson & Gray Sports Network will broadcast all WSU games on
its 16-station network with Bud Nameck (6th season) calling the
play-by-play. Broadcasts are also available via the Internet,
www.broadcast.com.
WSU at Oregon
Thursday, February 11
7:05 p.m. PST
McArthur Court (9,087)
Television: None.
Records: WSU is 9-13 on the year (3-8 Pac-10) after dropping a pair of
close games versus the Arizona schools. The Cougars lost to ASU 69-64
Thursday night and No. 10 Arizona 81-79 Saturday afternoon. Oregon (11-9
overall, 3-8 Pac-10) snapped a five-game losing streak by defeating USC
60-55 Saturday at the L.A. Sports Arena.
WSU at Oregon State
Saturday, February 13
5:07 p.m. PST
Gill Coliseum (10,400)
Television: Fox Sports Northwest will broadcast the WSU-OSU contest live to
the states of Washington and Oregon. The announcers are Scott Lind and Bill
Krueger.
Records: The Beavers were the surprise of the first half and own an 11-9
overall record (5-6 Pac-10) coming into this weekend. Entering the weekend,
OSU had yet to lose a home game.
On Deck: The Cougars return home for the final time in 1999 to host
California on Thursday, February 18, and No. 6 Stanford on Saturday,
February 20. The Stanford game will be senior night.
| 1998-99 Schedule/Results |
| 9-13/3-8 |
| Date |
Opponent |
Time |
Score |
| 11/16 |
CENTRAL WASHINGTON |
W |
91-78 |
| 11/19 |
at Alaska-Fairbanks+ |
L |
75-88 |
| 11/21 |
vs. Nebraska+ |
L |
84-95 |
| 11/22 |
vs. Virginia+ |
L |
53-62 |
| 11/28 |
vs. Gonzaga* |
L |
61-70 |
| 12/2 |
PORTLAND STATE |
W |
74-71 |
| 12/5 |
at Eastern Washington |
W |
91-72 |
| 12/8 |
BRIGHAM YOUNG@ |
W |
70-69 |
| 12/20 |
at Idaho |
W |
84-69 |
| 12/28 |
at Texas-El Paso |
L |
66-76 |
| 12/29 |
vs. Grambling State |
W |
114-68 |
| 1/3 |
vs. WASHINGTON#* |
W |
72-71 |
| 1/7 |
at No. 8 Arizona# |
L |
87-98 |
| 1/9 |
at Arizona State# |
L |
63-91 |
| 1/14 |
OREGON# |
L |
83-87 3ot |
| 1/16 |
OREGON STATE# |
W |
84-79 |
| 1/21 |
at No. 3 Stanford# |
L |
45-94 |
| 1/23 |
at California# |
L |
68-75 |
| 1/28 |
No. 11 UCLA# |
L |
66-69 |
| 1/30 |
USC# |
W |
95-86 |
| 2/4 |
ARIZONA STATE# |
L |
64-67 |
| 2/6 |
No. 10 ARIZONA (FSN)# |
L |
79-81 |
| 2/11 |
at Oregon# |
7:05 p.m. |
| 2/13 |
at Oregon State# |
5:07 p.m. |
| 2/18 |
CALIFORNIA# |
7:05 p.m. |
| 2/20 |
STANFORD (FSNW)# |
7:06 p.m. |
| 2/25 |
at UCLA# |
7:30 p.m. |
| 2/27 |
at USC# |
5:00 p.m. |
| 3/6 |
at Washington# |
3:00 p.m. |
| All times Pacific |
| # Pacific-10 Conference game |
| + Top of the World Classic, Fairbanks, Alaska |
| * Spokane Arena, Spokane, Wash. |
| Sun Bowl Classic, El Paso, Texas |
| @ Doubleheader with WSU women |
EASTMAN NEARS 200 VICTORIES: Kevin Eastman is in his fifth season as head
coach at WSU. He has a 68-72 (.486) five-year record. Among Cougar coaches
with at least a four-year tenure, Eastman's winning percentage is fifth,
behind Kelvin Sampson's .500 (103-103/1988-94). The New Brunswick, N.J.,
native's winning percentage also trails three WSU coaching legends: Jack
Friel .568 (495-377/1929-58), Fred Bohler .561 (226-177/1909-26) and George
Raveling .551 (167-136/1973-83).
Overall in 11 years as a head coach, Eastman holds a 192-147 (.566)
record. Included in that are a 65-22 mark at Belmont Abbey and a 59-53 mark
at UNC-Wilmington.
Eastman is 4-5 all-time against Oregon and 8-2 all-time versus Oregon State.
WSU WINS 200th AT FRIEL COURT: Washington State's 74-71 victory December 2
against Portland State was the Cougars' 200th all-time win at Friel Court.
Beginning with an 80-78 WSU victory against Louisiana State on December 1,
1973, the Cougars have won nearly two-thirds of the games they have played
there (.646). WSU has a 203-111 all-time record in Beasley. WSU is 5-4 at
Friel Court this season with wins over Central Washington (91-78), Portland
State (74-71), BYU (70-69), Oregon State (84-79) and USC (95-86) and losses
to Oregon (87-83/triple overtime), No. 11 UCLA (69-66), Arizona State
(67-64) and No. 10 Arizona (81-79). Milestone wins at Friel:
No. 1 WSU 80, LSU 78, 12/1/73
No. 3 WSU 71, USC 56, 1/5/74 (first league win)
No. 25 WSU 77, Cal 63, 1/8/77
No. 50 WSU 77, USC 57, 1/24/80
No. 100 WSU 75, Oregon 71, 2/14/86
No. 150 WSU 95, Oregon 79, 1/21/93
No. 200 WSU 74, Portland State 71, 12/2/98
HOME NON-LEAGUE STREAK AT 41: By defeating Brigham Young 70-69 on December
8, WSU posted its ninth straight perfect home non-conference season. The
BYU win was WSU's 41st consecutive non-conference victory in Pullman. The
Cougars have not lost at home to a non-conference foe since December 14,
1989, when Idaho escaped Friel Court with a 56-52 win.
The streak began with a 112-81 win over BYU-Hawaii in the first game of
the 1990-91 season. WSU's 41 wins include 36 at Friel and five at Bohler
Gym (all during the 1990-91 season). The streak also includes NIT victories
in 1992 (Minnesota), 1995 (Texas Tech) and 1996 (Gonzaga).
THOMAS FOR PAC-10 NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: Junior guard Jan-Michael Thomas
is the leading candidate for the Fred Hessler Award, given annually to the
Pac-10's top newcomer. The transfer from San Joaquin Delta Junior College
leads the league in both three-point field goal percentage (.464) and free
throw percentage (.878). What's more, he ranks sixth in scoring at 16.0
points per game. Thomas is the Pac-10's leading newcomer in all three
categories! And by the way, he hasn't missed a free throw in five games (19
straight, dating to a miss on his first try at Stanford)!
Thomas was named the Pac-10 Player of the Week on December 14 for his
performance in the Cougars' 70-69 win against Brigham Young December 8 in
Pullman.
Thomas scored 17 of his team-high 22 points in the second half. He
converted three of his final four free throw attempts, including the
game-winner with nine seconds remaining. He is the only newcomer to be
honored this season. It was the first career award for Thomas and the first
Pac-10 player of the week award for WSU since Mark Hendrickson was honored
on January 23, 1995. It is the Cougars' 13th all-time player of the week
award.
The Inglewood, Calif., native is third nationally in three-point field
goals made per game (3.71) and should finish the season with more than 100
three-pointers. That will rank in the top four all-time in the Pac-10.
Thomas could threaten Steve Kerr's conference single-season record of 114
three pointers. Kerr set that mark in 38 games; 10 more than Thomas is set
to play this year.
THOMAS ON VERGE OF SINGLE-SEASON THREE-POINT MARK: With six three pointers
over the weekend to give him 78 on the season, junior guard Jan-Michael
Thomas is within striking distance of the WSU single-season record of 83
set by Eddie Hill in 1994. At his current pace of 3.71 three-point baskets
per game, Thomas would record 104 treys during the regular season (28
games; he missed the Arizona State game at Tempe with the flu), and pass
Hill during Saturday's Oregon State game.
Thomas is currently tied for second with Bennie Seltzer (78/1993). He is
also seven treys away from entering the Pac-10 single-season top 10.
| WSU Single-Season Three-Point Field Goals |
| 1. |
Eddie Hill (1994) |
83 |
| 2t. |
Bennie Seltzer (1993) |
78 |
| 2t. |
Jan-Michael Thomas (1999) |
78 |
| 4. |
Eddie Hill (1993) |
77 |
| 5. |
Isaac Fontaine (1997) |
75 |
| 6. |
Terrence Lewis (1992) |
74 |
| 7. |
Isaac Fontaine (1996) |
66 |
| 8. |
Terrence Lewis (1991) |
63 |
| 9. |
Bennie Seltzer (1990) |
62 |
| 10t. |
Shamon Antrum (1995) |
59 |
| 10t. |
Darryl Woods (1990) |
59 |
As a team, the Cougars lead the conference in three-point field goal
percentage (.397) and three-pointers made per game (7.55). WSU is also on
pace to break the school record of 221 three-point goals set in 1994.
RECORD WATCH: As mentioned above, WSU is on pace to just barely eclipse
the team single-season three-point mark. The Cougs will almost undoubtly
break the school single-season record for three-point attempts (442 in
1995). Through 22 games, WSU has attempted 418 three pointers. That puts
the Cougars are on a pace for 551 three-point attempts!
WSU is also close to the school record for season three-point field goal
percentage (.404 in 1993). The Cougs currently hit 39.7 percent from
three-point land.
Another season record WSU can threaten is steals. The Cougars have 191
through 22 games (8.7 per game) and are on pace for 252 for the season. The
school record is 254 steals set in 1992.
AIR FORCE: Junior guard Jan-Michael Thomas has really been impressive from
beyond the arc. The Cougar gunman ranks third nationally in three-point
field goals made per game at 3.71 (the national leader is Brian
Merriweather of Texas-Pan American at 4.5 per game).
Jan-Michael, who was named after actor Jan-Michael Vincent, most recently
tied the Oakland Arena college mark with five treys in WSU's loss to
California.
The Inglewood, Calif., native set McKale Center and Arizona opponent
records when he nailed eight threes at Tucson January 7. Thomas scored a
career-high 34 points versus the Wildcats.
He also set Sun Classic and Don Haskins Center records when he buried
eight three pointers in WSU's first round loss to UTEP on December 28. His
first record of the season came at the Top of the World Classic in
Fairbanks, Alaska, when he netted a tournament-record seven treys versus
Nebraska.
AIRWOLF THOMAS STILL HITTING TARGET: Junior guard Jan-Michael Thomas has
been WSU's most consistent source of offense during his last nine games.
During that span, Thomas is averaging 18.9 points per game and has been
WSU's top scorer seven times with a career high of 34 at Arizona.
WHAT A STEAL: Not only is WSU on pace to threaten the team single-season
steals record, but both senior forward Kojo Mensah-Bonsu and freshman guard
Mike Bush look to crack the individual steals single season top 10. They
will be the first teammates in that top 10 since Neil Derrick and Terrence
Lewis in 1992. Bush needs 10 more steals for the top 10, while Kojo needs
another 12. With 12 more, Kojo will also enter the WSU career steals top 10.
ROOKIES RACK UP STATS: Washington State's three new players -- junior
guard Jan-Michael Thomas, sophomore forward Eddie Miller and freshman guard
Mike Bush -- have made quite an impact on the Cougar basketball squad.
Combined, the trio accounts for 45 percent of WSU's total scoring (34.3
ppg), 53 percent of its three-point baskets and 44 percent of its total
steals.
Thomas leads WSU in scoring (16.0 ppg), three-pointers (78), three-point
FG Pct. (.464) and free throw percentage (.878). Miller leads the Cougars
in field goal percentage (.568) and ranks second in rebounding (5.3 rpg)
and fourth in scoring (11.2 ppg). Bush leads WSU in steals (40) and is the
only newcomer who has played in all 22 games. Bush is also second among
Pac-10 freshmen with 1.8 steals per game.
WSU VS. RANKED OPPONENTS: No. 10 Arizona was the fourth ranked opponent
WSU faced in 1998-99. The last time WSU defeated a ranked opponent was
February 22, 1997, when the Cougs beat No. 25 Cal 89-87. The last time WSU
defeated a top 10 team was March 8, 1992 when WSU beat No. 8 USC 82-68 in
Pullman.
| Date |
Score |
Location |
| 1/7 |
No. 8 Arizona 98, WSU 87 |
Tucson, Ariz. |
| 1/21 |
No. 3 Stanford 94, WSU 45 |
Stanford, Calif. |
| 1/28 |
No. 11 UCLA 69, WSU 66 |
Pullman, Wash. |
| 2/6 |
No. 10 Arizona 81, WSU 79 |
Pullman, Wash. |
SWITCHING STARTERS: WSU has used nine different starting lineups in 22
games this season. Only senior forward Kojo Mensah-Bonsu has started all 22
games. Ten of WSU's 12 players have made at least one start this year.
Here's a look:
G 1-3 Mensah-Bonsu, Crosby, Nelson, Pengelly, Bush
G 4, 13, 15-18
Mensah-Bonsu, Crosby, Miller, Pengelly, Thomas
G 5 Mensah-Bonsu, Crosby, Nelson, Pengelly, Thomas
G 6 Mensah-Bonsu, Slotemaker, Pengelly, Thomas, Bush
G 7-10 Mensah-Bonsu, Crosby, Pengelly, Thomas, Bush
G 11 Mensah-Bonsu, Miller, Pengelly, Thomas, Hutchens
G 12 Mensah-Bonsu, Crosby, Slotemaker, Pengelly,Thomas
G 14 Mensah-Bonsu, Crosby, Miller, Pengelly, Bush
G 19-22 Mensah-Bonsu, Bush, Miller, Kazadi, Thomas
|
1998-99 |
Career |
| Player |
Starts |
Starts |
| Mensah-Bonsu |
22 |
25 |
| Pengelly |
18 |
50 |
| Thomas |
18 |
18 |
| Crosby |
16 |
37 |
| Bush |
13 |
13 |
| Miller |
12 |
12 |
| Kazadi |
4 |
22 |
| Nelson |
4 |
28 |
| Slotemaker |
2 |
15 |
| Hutchens |
1 |
1 |
SECRET TO SUCCESS: The Cougs are a perfect 7-0 this season when leading at
the half. On the other hand, WSU has won just once (BYU) in 13 tries after
trailing at the half. Other signs of success come when WSU attempts more
free throws than the opponent (7-2) and has more steals than the opponent
(7-5).
The Cougars are 9-5 when scoring 70 or more points, but have yet to win
(0-8) when being held below 70 points.
SCOUTING OREGON: Though it may not show up in the win column, the Ducks
have played some of the most exciting games in the Pac-10 this season.
Eight of their last nine games have been decided by five points or less!
Oregon snapped a five-game losing streak by defeating USC 60-55 Saturday
night. Junior guard Alex Scales continues to lead the Ducks at 14.1 points
per game. Junior forward A.D. Smith is next at 12.7. Junior guard Darius
Wright is fourth in the Pac-10 with 4.85 assists per game. Just as it was
the last time these two teams met, it will be a battle of the long range
bombers. WSU leads the Pac-10 with 7.55 threes per game, while Oregon is a
close second at 7.40 per game.
| Tentative Duck Starters |
| No. |
Name |
Pos. |
Ht. |
Cl. |
1998-99 Statistics |
| 00 |
A.D. Smith |
F |
6-8 |
JR |
12.7 ppg, 7.7 rpg |
| 50 |
Mike Carson |
C |
70 |
SR |
7.0 ppg, 5.4 rpg |
| 04 |
Darius Wright |
G |
6-0 |
JR |
6.9 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 4.9 apg |
| 14 |
Terik Brown |
G |
6-1 |
SR |
11.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg |
| 33 |
Alex Scales |
G |
6-4 |
JR |
14.1 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 3.2 apg |
WSU-OREGON RECAP: In one of the wildest games in Friel Court history,
Oregon prevailed 87-83 in triple-overtime January 14 at Pullman. Junior
guard Jan-Michael Thomas led the Cougars with 28 points (four
three-pointers) in a career-high 52 minutes, while senior forward Kojo
Mensah-Bonsu added 17, sophomore forward Eddie Miller had 13 and senior
forward Steve Slotemaker had 11 in a career-high 34 minutes. Junior guard
Blake Pengelly tied a career high with six rebounds in a career-high 44
minutes, while Mensah-Bonsu matched a career high with four steals. It was
just the fourth triple-overtime game in Cougar history and the third ever
at Friel Court.
Oregon set a Friel Court record with 65 rebounds (breaking WSU's mark of
55 set December 11, 1974 versus DePaul). The two teams combined to break
the building's two-team total fouls record with 62 (30 by Oregon, 32 by
WSU). WSU and Stanford held the previous mark of 61 set in 1996.
SCOUTING OREGON STATE: The Beavers turned out to be the surprise of the
first half of Pac-10 play. But those good fortunes took a hard turn last
weekend with road losses to USC (86-61) and UCLA (85-67). At home, however,
the Beavers have won all 10 games this season entering this weekend.
Sophomore guard Deaundra Tanner continues to be one of the Pac-10's best.
He averages 14.5 points and 4.2 assists per game. Junior forward Clifton
Jones has been a constant inside presence, ranking in the Pac-10 top 10 in
both rebounding (6.5) and blocks (1.35) per game. Defense has been a
trademark of the Beavers this season as they rank second in the conference
in points allowed (61.8 per game), field goal percentage defense (.382) and
three-point field goal percentage defense (.298).
| Tentative Beaver Starters |
| No. |
Name |
Pos. |
Ht. |
Cl. |
1998-99 Statistics |
| 11 |
Clifton Jones |
F |
6-8 |
JR |
5.4 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.4 bpg |
| 40 |
Jason Heide |
C |
6-10 |
SO |
10.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg |
| 04 |
Deaundra Tanner |
G |
6-2 |
SO |
14.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.2 apg |
| 25 |
Josh Steinthal |
G |
6-4 |
SO |
10.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg |
| 31 |
Ramunas Petraitis |
G |
6-3 |
JR |
7.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg |
WSU-OREGON STATE RECAP: WSU snapped a three-game losing streak by beating
Oregon State 84-79 on January 16. It was WSU's ninth straight home win over
the Beavers. The Cougs have also won 10 of the last 11 overall against OSU.
Junior forward Chris Crosby had a game-high 22 points, while sophomore
forward Eddie Miller scored a career-high 20 points. Junior guard
Jan-Michael Thomas added 16 points. Crosby and Thomas both netted four
three pointers. As a team, WSU hit 55 percent of its threes (11-20) against
the Beavers.
ARIZONA STATE RECAP: The Sun Devil frontline of Bobby Lazor (20) and Mike
Batiste (16) outscored WSU's forwards 36-15 as ASU edged out a 69-64 win
Thursday night in Pullman. Eddie House added 19 points and a career-high 11
rebounds for the Sun Devils. Jan-Michael Thomas led the Cougar effort with
19 points on five three pointers, but Chris Crosby (11 points) was the only
other WSU player in double figures. WSU had its poorest night from the line
in weeks, connecting on just 62.5 percent (15-24). Thomas tied a career
high with five boards.
ARIZONA RECAP: It was another nail-biter that just wouldn't go WSU's way
as No. 10 Arizona escaped Pullman with an 81-79 decision Saturday
afternoon. Kojo Mensah-Bonsu scored 21 points in a losing effort, while
Eddie Miller and Chris Crosby each added 17 points. Miller had nine
rebounds, while Crosby netted five three pointers. Freshman Mike Bush
impressed with 13 points and a career-high five steals. It was Arizona's
28th consecutive victory over the Cougars.
ANOTHER GAME, ANOTHER RECORD: From Alaska to Texas, it seems like just
about everywhere the Cougars travel this season, they set a record. The
most recent trip to the Bay Area was no exception. Junior guard Jan-Michael
Thomas tied the Oakland Arena record with five three pointers versus the
Golden Bears on January 23. It was the sixth record of the season
established or tied by Thomas alone. FYI: The Mac Court record for threes
is eight by three different players (including WSU's Brian Wright in 1988);
the team mark is 11 by Stanford in 1987. The Gill Coliseum mark for threes
is seven by Gary Payton versus the Cougs in 1989; the team record in 16 by
UC San Diego in 1997. Here's a look at the marks WSU has left around the
country:
Date Record Set
11/21 Top of the World Classic (Fairbanks, Alaska)
three-point field goals (7), individual single
game, by Jan-Michael Thomas (vs. Nebraska)
12/20 TIE - WSU school three-point field goals (9),
individual single-game, by Chris Crosby
(at Idaho)
12/20 Kibbie Dome (Moscow, Idaho) three-point field
goals (9), individual single-game, by Chris
Crosby (vs. Idaho)
12/28 Don Haskins Center (El Paso, Texas) three-point
field goals (8), individual single-game, by Jan-
Michael Thomas (vs. Texas-El Paso)
12/28 Sun Bowl Classic (El Paso, Texas) three-point
field goals (8), individual single-game, by Jan-
Michael Thomas (vs. Texas-El Paso)
12/29 Don Haskins Center (El Paso, Texas) points
(114), team single-game, by WSU (vs.
Grambling State)
12/29 Sun Bowl Classic (El Paso, Texas) margin-of-
victory (46 points;114-68), team single-game,
by WSU (vs. Grambling State)
1/7 McKale Center (Tucson, Ariz.) three-point field
goals (8), individual single-game, by Jan-
Michael Thomas (vs. Arizona)
1/7 Arizona opponent three-point field goals (8),
individual single-game, by Jan-Michael
Thomas (at Arizona)
1/14 Friel Court (Pullman, Wash.) fouls -- two teams
(62), by Oregon (30) and WSU (32)
1/23 TIE - Oakland Arena (Oakland, Calif.) three
point field goals (5), individual, single-game, by
Jan-Michael Thomas (vs. California)
INJURIES TAKE TOLL: WSU had to wait nearly two months into the season
before all 12 players were available for action (December 28 versus
Texas-El Paso). One day later, all 12 Cougars saw action in the rout of
Grambling State.
From game one, WSU had at least one player unavailable due to injury. The
first four games, back-up point guard Kab Kazadi was nursing a deep thigh
bruise. Then just as Kazadi returned for the Gonzaga game, another player,
sophomore forward Eddie Miller went down during the last 15 minutes of the
last practice before the Gonzaga game. He was the first of WSU's six left
ankle injuries.
Sophomore center Brian Stewart was ankle No. 2 just three days later,
while senior forward Steve Slotemaker suffered the team's third left ankle
sprain during the first half of the December 2 win against Portland State
when he fell on a Viking player following a three-point shot attempt. That
was a span of six days when three players sprained their left ankle. Miller
and Stewart each missed two games, while Slotemaker was lost a span of
three games.
In mid-December, freshman guard Mike Bush sprained his left ankle walking
on an icy sidewalk, while Kazadi suffered a left ankle sprain during a
finals week practice. Both returned in time for the Idaho game.
Perhaps the strangest left ankle sprain happened to senior center Leif
Nelson who suffered the injury on December 13 while playing with some local
youths during a Cougar appearance in the Pullman community. Nelson missed
the Idaho game but returned to play versus UTEP.
The flu bug hit junior guard Jan-Michael Thomas for the January 9 Arizona
State game as he missed his first contest of the year. Cougar players have
sat out a combined 13 games in 1998-99 due to injury or illness.
CROSBY EARNS ALL-TOURNEY NOD: Junior Chris Crosby was named to the
all-tournament team for his play at the Top of the World Classic, November
19-22, in Fairbanks, Alaska. It was the first career all-tournament
selection for the Littleton, Colo., native. Crosby was among the
tournament's top scorers and rebounders, averaging 17.8 points and 7.3
rebounds per contest for the three-game event. Included in that was 25
points and career-highs in rebounds (13) and free throws (12) versus
Alaska-Fairbanks.
MANAGER COHN HONORED: Perhaps the surprise of the Top of the World Classic
came during the awards ceremony when WSU student manager Jeff Cohn was
honored with the Order of Nanook Award. The Fairbanks Princess Hotel
presents the award to the top manager, "for meritorious demonstration of
courtesy, cooperation and competence." Cohn, a senior from Foster City,
Calif., majoring in communications, was honored with two different plaques
and a giant collectable polar bear (stuffed, of course).
ABOUT THE SCHEDULE: Washington State is again playing a challenging
schedule. The Cougars have eight games against teams ranked in the
preseason polls (Stanford, UCLA, Washington and Arizona - twice) and 13
games versus teams that played in the 1998 postseason (NCAA: Stanford,
UCLA, Washington and Arizona - twice, Nebraska - once; NIT: Arizona State -
twice, Gonzaga - once; NAIA: Central Washington).
THE PENGELLY IS MIGHTIER THAN: Junior guard Blake Pengelly is climbing
WSU career lists in assists and three-point shooting. He tied Dan Steward
(277/1970-72) for fifth in assists during the Arizona game. Pengelly is now
closing in on 300 career assists. The Eugene, Ore., native ranks fifth in
three-point field goal percentage at .411 and ninth in both three pointers
made (109) and attempted (265).
Junior forward Chris Crosby entered the career top five in three pointers
during the Arizona game, tying Donminic Ellison (128/1994-96). He needs 10
more to pass No. 4 Terrence Lewis (137/1991-92). Here's a look at where
Pengelly and Crosby rank:
| Assists |
| 1. |
Bennie Seltzer (1990-93) |
473 |
| 2. |
Keith Morrison (1983-86) |
456 |
| 3. |
Donminic Ellison (1994-96) |
441 |
| 4. |
Marty Giovacchini (1974-77) |
371 |
| 5t. |
Dan Steward (1970-72) |
277 |
| 5t. |
Blake Pengelly (1997- ) |
277 |
| 7. |
Isaac Fontaine (1994-97) |
269 |
| 8. |
Brad Johnson (1972-74) |
263 |
| 9. |
Anthony Kidd (1986-89) |
255 |
|
| Three-Point Field Goals |
| 1. |
Eddie Hill (1991-94) |
233 |
| 2. |
Bennie Seltzer (1990-93) |
230 |
| 3. |
Isaac Fontaine (1994-97) |
208 |
| 4. |
Terrence Lewis (1991-92) |
137 |
| 5t. |
Donminic Ellison (1994-96) |
128 |
| 5t. |
Chris Crosby (1997- ) |
128 |
| 7. |
Shamon Antrum (1995-96) |
113 |
| 8. |
Brian Wright (1986-89) |
111 |
| 9. |
Blake Pengelly (1997- ) |
109 |
| 10. |
David Sanders (1986, 88-90) |
93 |
|
| Three-Point Field Goal Attempts |
| 1. |
Bennie Seltzer (1990-93) |
585 |
| 2. |
Eddie Hill (1991-94) |
561 |
| 3. |
Isaac Fontaine (1994-97) |
455 |
| 4. |
Terrence Lewis (1991-92) |
343 |
| 5. |
Chris Crosby (1997- ) |
334 |
| 6. |
Donminic Ellison (1994-96) |
322 |
| 7. |
Brian Wright (1986-89) |
302 |
| 8. |
Shamon Antrum (1995-96) |
294 |
| 9. |
Blake Pengelly (1997- ) |
265 |
| 10. |
David Sanders (1986, 88-90) |
251 |
