PULLMAN — Washington State slogged through a long stretch of poor offense against San Diego on Thursday night, trying to find any way to snap a dry spell. The Cougars couldn’t stop turning it over, and even as their defense stepped up, they needed baskets to avoid a costly loss.

Riley was referencing the second half of his WSU club’s 65-61 road win over San Diego on Thursday night, which helped the Cougars end a two-game skid. That sets the stage for the Cougs’ next game, a home matchup with struggling Portland at 3 p.m. Saturday, and the improvements Riley and WSU will look to make.

Because of the way four key injuries have shuffled personnel, the Cougar men are trying to make their offense work with a player whose best attributes are on defense.

Expert recap and game analysis of the Washington State Cougars vs. Portland Pilots NCAAM game from January 18, 2025 on ESPN.

Examine Washington State's road loss to Gonzaga on Saturday, especially early in the second half, and you'll find a window into some of the Cougars' recent struggles. You'll also find how they're solving them WSU faced a double-digit deficit at that point,

Washington State forward Dane Erikstrup gives a high-five to forward LeJuan Watts in the first half on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at Beasley Coliseum in Pullman, Wash. (Geoff Crimmins/For The Spokesman-Review)

The Washington State men's basketball team eventually found their footing on Saturday night in Pullman. The Cougars took the lead late in the first half, overco

Washington State Cougars (14-5, 4-2 WCC ) vs. Portland Pilots (6-13, 1-5 WCC) Date: Saturday, January 18 Time: 3 PM PT // 6 PM ET Location: Beasley Coliseum - P

There is no such thing as an "off night" in the West Coast Conference. Just ask Washington State. The Cougars (13-5, 3-2 WCC) headed into last Thursday's matchu

On Saturday night in Spokane, the Washington State Cougars' men's basketball team fell to the #18 Gonzaga Bulldogs by a score of 88-75. This game marked the fir

The two-time defending state champion Hounds claimed first place in team scoring at a couple of large meets recently

COTTONWOOD — In a battle of 2A Whitepine League girls basketball unbeatens, the Prairie Pirates of Cottonwood used strong inside play to overcome the visiting Lapwai Wildcats 55-49 on Thursday.