Washington State University’s men’s basketball team is set to face off against the Oregon State Beavers on February 4, marking the 309th meeting between the two programs. The matchup will take place at Ralph Miller Court in Gill Coliseum, where the Cougars have historically faced tough competition, holding a record of 45 wins to 107 losses against the Beavers.
The Cougs come into the game fueled by the impressive performances of their freshman standout, who is leading the team with an average of 16.4 points per game. This player recently set a new WSU freshman single-game scoring record with 40 points against Arizona State. Additionally, another key player for Washington State, who has recorded his first double-double, is contributing significantly on both ends of the court, averaging nearly 12 rebounds and shooting 61.9% from the field.
In their last outing, WSU achieved a season-high 104 points in a commanding win against the Portland Pilots, clinching their third straight victory. This performance showcased a strong offensive strategy with six different players contributing from beyond the arc, including standout games from Yalaho, who scored a career-high of 26 points, and Vavers, who delivered 18 points while shooting effectively from three-point range.
Looking ahead, WSU will return home to host Santa Clara on February 7, with plans for a ‘white out’ at Beasley Coliseum, enhancing the atmosphere for fans. The Cougars are keen to build on their recent success, especially with several players consistently delivering double-digit scoring performances and showing strong teamwork in their passing game—with a season-high number of assists recorded against Portland.
To further enhance their efforts and honor the legacy of former coach George Raveling, who played a pivotal role in elevating the program’s national prominence during his tenure, WSU has worn custom uniforms and pre-game shooting shirts designed in collaboration with Nike.
This season has been one of advancement and teamwork for the Cougars, who are not just aiming for individual accolades, as demonstrated by their collective achievements. With the Cougars currently competitive in the West Coast Conference, they look poised to continue making strides and potentially challenging for a postseason berth once again.