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Cougars Claw Their Way to Maples Pavilion: A Test of Tenacity

As the Washington State Cougars prepare to face off against the Stanford Cardinal at Maples Pavilion, fans are eager to see if their team can continue their recent trend of success. The Cougars have shown a promising uptick in performance, as evidenced by their past games.


Feb 23, 2023; Stanford, California, USA;  Washington State Cougars forward Mouhamed Gueye (35) shoots the ball against against the Stanford Cardinal during the second half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

In a thrilling encounter with the Arizona Wildcats, the Cougars emerged victorious with a 73-70 win. Their offensive efficiency was on display as they shot 46 percent from the field and an impressive 81 percent from the free-throw line. Defensively, they were formidable with eight blocks and six steals, which contributed to their narrow victory.


The team's resilience was further tested against USC Trojans where they secured another win with a score of 72-64. The Cougars maintained consistency in shooting (47 percent from the field) and free throws (78 percent), while also showcasing their ability to control the game's pace through fast breaks and points off turnovers.


Feb 23, 2023; Stanford, California, USA;  Stanford Cardinal guard Michael Jones (13) cannot control the pass during a fast break while being defended by Washington State Cougars forward DJ Rodman (11) during the first half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for Washington State; they faced a tough challenge against Oregon Ducks but managed an admirable performance despite falling short at 84-89. They demonstrated strong shooting accuracy both inside (56 percent two-point shooting) and outside (50 percent three-point shooting), though turnovers proved costly in this high-scoring affair.


As we look ahead to the upcoming game at Stanford's home court, it is clear that Washington State must leverage its offensive strengths while tightening up ball security to minimize turnovers. The venue may pose additional challenges given that it is not only away from home but also carries its own unique atmosphere that could influence game dynamics.


Feb 23, 2023; Stanford, California, USA;  Stanford Cardinal guard Isa Silva (1) shoots the basketball against Washington State Cougars forward Andrej Jakimovski (23) during the first half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

Fans can catch this exciting matchup on January 19th at Maples Pavilion or tune into Pac-12 Network for live coverage. With tip-off scheduled for local time in Pacific Time Zone, supporters should be ready for what promises to be an engaging contest between these two teams.

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