The Washington State men’s basketball team is set to take on Southern California in an anticipated matchup at the Galen Center in Los Angeles. Scheduled for a 4:30 p.m. PT tip-off, this game marks the beginning of a nonconference series between these two storied programs, with this being the 133rd meeting in their history.
The Cougars are riding a wave of positive momentum, highlighted by true freshman who broke WSU’s freshman scoring record by netting 40 points in a recent Maui semifinal against Arizona State. This remarkable achievement not only earned him All-Tournament honors but also recognition as WCC Freshman of the Week. Averaging 16.6 points per game, he ranks among the top ten freshmen scorers in the nation, showcasing a shooting percentage of 49.5%.
Another standout player, Okafor, has emerged as a key contributor for the team, leading in efficiency with an impressive 61.5% shooting percentage. He recently scored a career-high 27 points against Southern Utah, along with contributing solid rebounding and shot-blocking performances.
Despite suffering a loss to Nevada last Sunday, where they fell 64-78, the Cougars have shown resilience. During that game, sophomore Tomas Thrastarson enjoyed a breakout performance, scoring a career-high 20 points. The team’s bench depth has also been a strong point, contributing significantly in multiple games, underscoring their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
The Cougars’ free throw shooting has been exceptional this season, currently ranked in the top 40 nationally, with a 77.0% conversion rate. Their ability to get to the line has been vital, as they continue to convert critical opportunities in close games, exemplified by their performance against ASU where they went 16-of-18 from the charity stripe.
Looking ahead, Washington State will return home for a pair of pre-Christmas contests, starting with a matchup against Eastern Washington on December 17 and followed by a game against Mercer on December 20, both expected to attract significant local interest.
With a strong roster and the recent performances highlighting a blend of young talent and experienced players, the Cougars are poised to continue building upon their offensive momentum. Coach Riley’s strategies, which previously set school records for shots made and assists last season, ensure that fans can look forward to an exciting remainder of the season as the team aims for postseason success.