SEATTLE — For the first time in more than a century the Huskies and Cougars will not meet in the regular season, but Washington State used Sunday’s preseason meeting to claim a narrow 84-80 victory at Alaska Airlines Arena and deliver an early statement about a heavily reconfigured roster.
A physical, free-throw heavy test
The exhibition turned into an extended foul-line affair. The teams combined for 87 free throws as Washington State made 31 of 46 and Washington converted 30 of 41. Field-goal production was nearly identical — both squads finished 22 of 56 — but WSU’s superior shooting from long range (9-for-26) provided the margin over UW (6-for-23).
Attendance numbered 7,011, a solid crowd for a noncounting contest that nonetheless carried extra bite given the rivalry and the unusual absence of a regular-season meeting this year, the first time that has happened since 1917.
Standout performers and rebuilding story
WSU’s offense got its lift from senior transfer forward Ronnie Harrison, who scored 23 points and pulled down 11 rebounds while shooting efficiently — an 8-of-9 performance from the floor. Guard Lazerek Houston, another transfer, added 15 points; guard Jamari Phillips and Providence transfer Jaylen Harrell chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively. Former Eastern Washington standout Casey Jones supplied 10.
The victory carries weight beyond a preseason box score because Washington State had to essentially remake its roster during the offseason. Multiple transfers are already contributing, and Sunday provided an early glimpse of how coach and personnel changes might translate into on-court cohesion.
Game flow and late drama
The Cougars erased a 10-point first-half deficit with an 8-2 run and took a 38-37 lead into the break. The Huskies opened the second half with a seven-point advantage before a 13-2 surge keyed by Jones and Casey Jones’ 3-pointer swung momentum back to Pullman’s side.
WSU built an eight-point cushion in the closing minute, but UW mounted a rally. With six seconds remaining, WSU’s Harrison rejected LeJuan Watts on a would-be game-tying 3, preserving the victory. Watts, who spent last season at Texas Tech, led Washington with 28 points and was 12 of 13 at the foul line.
| Player | Team | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ronnie Harrison | WSU | 23 | 11 rebounds; 8-of-9 FG |
| Lazerek Houston | WSU | 15 | Transfer from Central Missouri |
| LeJuan Watts | UW | 28 | 7-of-12 FG; 12-13 FT |
What this means for the regular season
Exhibitions are primarily for evaluation and conditioning, but they can reveal how roster turnover will affect depth and identity. Washington State’s success shooting threes and getting contributions from multiple newcomers suggests the Cougars have options as they prepare for the regular season opener Nov. 2 at home against Davidson.
For Washington, the game highlighted areas to tighten up — avoiding foul trouble, defending the arc and finishing under pressure. The Huskies’ depth will be tested as they integrate transfers like Steele Venters, who scored three points in tonight’s game.
- WSU showed improved perimeter shooting and interior toughness from recent transfers.
- UW relied heavily on Watts’ scoring; foul-shooting was excellent but not enough.
- The matchup offered a rare look at the rivalry despite its absence from the regular-season schedule.
Sunday’s outcome won’t be used in official standings, but it does set a tone. For Washington State, a close road win at a bitter rival offers momentum as the Cougars try to translate offseason retooling into wins. For Washington, the exhibition underscored the work remaining as the Huskies prepare for regular-season competition.
Both programs will take lessons from the contest into practices and upcoming preseason preparations. The game served as a reminder that, even without a regular-season meeting this year, the rivalry still draws attention and will continue to influence recruiting, fan expectations and the regional basketball landscape.
