Can the Washington State Cougars Tame the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center?

As the Washington State Cougars prepare to face off against the Arizona Wildcats, fans are buzzing with anticipation. The upcoming clash at McKale Center is poised to be a riveting encounter, and all eyes are on WSU after their recent performances.

The Cougars have shown a commendable level of consistency in their past games. On February 10, they secured a victory over the Oregon Ducks with a score of 62-56. Their defensive prowess was on full display as they racked up 4 blocks and 7 steals, while also maintaining discipline by committing only 17 personal fouls. With an impressive total rebound count of 35 and shooting from inside the paint accounting for 28 points, WSU demonstrated their ability to control both ends of the court.

In another notable performance against Oregon State Beavers on February 9, WSU emerged victorious with a scoreline of 64-58. Their three-point shooting was particularly lethal that night as they hit an astounding rate of nearly half their attempts from beyond the arc – showcasing not just precision but also confidence in taking long-range shots.

However, it's worth noting that during these games, WSU's assist-to-turnover ratio wasn't exactly stellar. Against Oregon Ducks it was below one (0.67), which indicates there's room for improvement when it comes to ball handling and creating scoring opportunities without giving away possession.

But perhaps most telling about this team's character was their grueling overtime win against Washington Huskies on February 4th where they scored an impressive total of 90 points – highlighting not just stamina but also depth in offensive options when games go down to the wire.

The Wildcats should not be underestimated though; playing at home gives them an edge that could prove crucial in this matchup. They will undoubtedly look to capitalize on any Cougar turnovers and will challenge WSU’s defense relentlessly throughout the game.

As we look ahead to this encounter between two formidable teams, one thing is clear: if Washington State can maintain its defensive solidity while improving ball distribution under pressure – something they've been working on since those earlier matchups – then fans might witness another thrilling victory for their team.

Mark your calendars for February 22nd at McKale Center where tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM local time (MST). For those unable to attend in person, you can catch all the action live on Fox Sports 1 channel number 219 as both teams battle it out in what promises to be an unforgettable game night experience!