11. Washington State Cougars (7-7, 0-1 Pac-12) LW: 9
Following a 7-3 start to the season for Washington State, a four-game losing skid has the Cougars back at .500 one game into Pac-12 play.
Despite shooting nearly 41 percent from distance against Washington, WSU couldn’t get the job done as they fell by a substantial margin of 85-67.
Against the Huskies, coach Ernie Kent’s team was without star senior forward Robert Franks, a game-time decision prior to tip-off who ultimately sat out with a hip contusion. Luckily for the Cougars, his injury shouldn’t keep him out long as he will most likely be cleared to play this week.
With Franks out, freshman forward CJ Elleby stepped up to try and fill the void. Elleby had himself a very strong outing as he set a new career-high in points with 26. He was also incredibly efficient from the field as he sunk eight of his 13 shots attempts, including a 3-for-5 effort from deep and a near perfect night from the free throw line, where he went 7-for-8.
Elleby he didn’t stop there. The freshman picked up his third career double-double and led the team in rebounds, blocks, and steals.
Besides Elleby, the only other Cougar in double-digits for points was Otero Junior College transfer Jervae Robinson, who finished the night with 14 points to set his career-high at WSU.
Playing on the road has not treated the Cougars well, as they are yet to find a win in their seven trips away from Beasley Coliseum. They will have two chances to change that in the upcoming week as they head to Boulder to take on Colorado this Thursday and then to Salt Lake City on Saturday to close out the trip against Utah.