WSU Basketball Loses WCC Quarterfinals 86-75 to USF

The Washington State Cougars advanced to the WCC quarterfinals after defeating Loyola Marymount 94-77 in their first-ever WCC Tournament game, showcasing strong performances from Nate Calmese and Ethan Price, who each scored 22 points. The Cougars exhibited excellent teamwork with 26 assists and dominated on the boards, a crucial factor that head coach David Riley highlighted. However, their tournament run ended with a loss to San Francisco, where despite notable contributions from Ethan Price and LeJuan Watts, they struggled with rebounding and defensive lapses, allowing USF to secure a decisive 86-75 victory. WSU's senior Dane Erikstrup faced an early injury, impacting the team's performance. The Cougars' season likely concludes here, pending a postseason invitation, marking a disappointing end to David Riley's first year as head coach. Meanwhile, LMU's exit from the tournament underscored their shooting inconsistencies, highlighting areas for improvement as they look to regroup for next season.