Remember a couple of weeks ago when I did my mid-season review of the Washington State Cougars Men’s Basketball team? And do you remember how they had a really important five-game stretch that would determine their season? Well, here’s to Cougin it… WSU went 0-5 during that run, likely killing their NCAA Tournament hopes in the process. Here’s my 75th minute review of the Cougars campaign (Think Soccer).
What Happened
The Cougs’ record currently stands at 15-12 (8-8), which is lulling considering where they stood two weeks ago.
The downfall occurred swiftly, abruptly, and included a defeat at the hands of Arizona State, a team whom WSU had beat by 22 points earlier this season.
During the losing streak, the Cougars’ biggest weakness was exposed, which is a lack of a playmaker at the end of games.
WSU is 0-6 in contests decided by three points or less, including three in the aforementioned five-game losing streak.
They lost to No. 20 USC by two, Oregon by three, and ASU by the same margin.
This all falls into the lacrosse stick of Noah Williams.
Williams’s offense has completely disappeared. He’s like the college version of Markelle Fultz.
Last season Williams was everything for Washington State. He became the Cougs number one option when Isaac Bonton suffered an injury.
This year, he appears like a shaken kid.
What’s Next
Luckily for WSU, their schedule has already begun to lighten up. The Cougs knocked off the Washington Huskies on Wednesday night in a game that is to be replayed on Sunday.
After the back-to-back with the Dawgs, Washington State has yet another home-and-away series with the Oregon State Beavers.
This four-game stretch could prove an opportunity for WSU to regain their footing and find some confidence heading into March.
Obviously, knocking off rival UW in Seattle isn’t a nature walk, but it is winnable. And OSU is having a historically bad season, so the Cougs should handle them fairly easily.
If WSU comes out of this stretch 4-0, their record would boost to 18-12 (11-8), setting up an exciting end of the season matchup against the Ducks.
A win against UO probably wouldn’t do much for the Cougs this late in the year, but the matchup could prove vital for Oregon.
As for WSU, hey, we beat the Huskies on Wednesday.
Perspective
For myself, this five-game losing streak felt painful. And the loss to ASU dug a little deeper.
But it’s important to remember how far the Cougars basketball program has come.
Barring an epic collapse, this team will have posted back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in a decade.
Head Coach Kyle Smith has this team on the right trajectory; in fact, Smith has never had a losing season in Pullman.
Before his arrival, the Cougs had suffered seven straight.
Sighhhh…
So even if my Cougars don’t make the grande fiesta this year, I’ll be alright, or maybe I’m in a loving mood because WSU just beat the Dawgs.
Whatever it is, it feels like our time is coming.
But maybe just not yet.
