The Washington State Cougars (9-20) look to end their 15-game losing streak when they match up with the Washington Huskies (16-13) at Alaska Airlines Arena. The game begins at 11:00 pm ET on Wednesday, Mar. 2 and will air on ESU and ES3.
The Huskies are hoping to rebound after their 86-73 loss to Oregon on Sunday. Andrew Andrews was the team’s leading scorer with 21 points. The Cougars, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after their ugly 69-49 loss to Oregon State on Sunday. Charles Callison had a good game for Washington State, posting 13 points, three assists, and one steal.
This is the second game of the year between these two teams, with the Huskies winning the first matchup 99-95. Andrews finished with 29 points and 10 rebounds.
The Huskies enter the game with records of 16-13 Straight Up (SU) and 16-12 Against The Spread (ATS). They are 3-7 ATS over their last 10 games. The Huskies come into the game with the 12th-ranked scoring offense in the nation, averaging 82.8 points per game. The Huskies are one of the best in Division I in terms of free throws made, making an impressive 19.0 per game. The Huskies have a distinct advantage on the boards in this matchup. They are the 31st-ranked rebounding team in Division I, averaging 40.0 per game, while the Cougars rank 296th in the nation with 33.6 per game. Turning to the defensive side, the Huskies are 35th in the country in steals with 7.8 per game.
In the other locker room, the Cougars head into the game with records of 11-17 ATS and 9-20 SU. Offensively, the Cougars have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 70.3 points per game by averaging 79.6 during that stretch.
With the Huskies’ last win against Washington State, their SU record against Washington State moves to 8-2 over their most recent meetings. Furthermore, Washington holds the advantage ATS with a record of 6-4. Washington held the advantage in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers one time in the last five matchups. On the other side of the court, Washington State never accomplished this feat in that span.
Predictions: SU Winner – Wash, ATS Winner – Wash
Notes
Washington is one of the top-scoring teams in the nation, averaging 82.8 points per game (ranked 12th). Washington State, on the other hand, allows 76.4 points per game (ranked 220th).
Washington State lost its last game by a 20-point margin. In games decided by a margin of 18 points or more, Washington is 5-1. Washington State is 3-7 in blowouts this season.
The Washington Huskies average a field goal percentage of 42.2% this season. The Washington State Cougars have an underachieving record of 3-16 when opponents have a FG% of 42.2% or greater.
The Washington Huskies and the Washington State Cougars both rank higher in average field goal percentage when compared to their effective field goal percentages. Washington is 275th and 266th in the nation for eFG% and FG% respectively, while Washington State ranks 134th and 82nd in these categories.
Among all teams in the nation, Washington is the number one team in blocked shots, registering 6.9 per game. Washington State ranks lower in total blocks at 59th (4.5 per game).
Washington is one of the best teams in the country when it comes to offensive rebounds, ranking 10th. Washington State ranks just 147th in defensive rebounds.
On average, Washington State forces a turnover rate of 15.8%. When Washington turns over the ball at a similar or higher rate, the team has a solid 12-6 record.
