Breaking: Cougars Mount Late-Rally Comeback to Edge Out Loyola Marymount, 78-76; Ace Glass Bank Shot Sinks WSU in Final 10 Seconds
In a nail-biting finish, Washington State men’s basketball (7-9, 2-1) rallied from a 14-point deficit to topple the visiting Loyola Marymount Lions (LMU), 78-76, in overtime at Beasley Coliseum. The Cougars’ fortunes hinged on a bank shot by true freshman Ace Glass with just 10 seconds remaining, capping off a thrilling comeback and securing the team’s second consecutive win in West Coast Conference play. Senior Rihards Vavers led all scorers with 17 points, including a career-high five 3-pointers, while Glass finished with 16 points. ND Okafor added 14 points and a team-best nine rebounds. The Cougars will carry this momentum into their next game against Oregon State on Sunday, January 4, at Numerica Veterans Arena in Spokane.
Washington State Rallies Past Loyola Marymount in Thrilling Home Victory
PULLMAN, Wash. – The Washington State men’s basketball team (7-9, 2-1) pulled off a remarkable comeback on Friday night, defeating the visiting Loyola Marymount Lions (LMU) 78-76 in a hard-fought, nail-biting finish at Beasley Coliseum.
Trailing by 14, Cougars Storm Back
The Cougars found themselves in a 14-point hole early in the first half, with LMU opening up the game on a 15-2 run. However, junior guard Rihards Vavers checked into the contest, sparking agte momentum with a 3-pointer, and igniting an 11-0 scoring run. The Cougars went on to close the half on another 11-0 surge, with Vavers hitting four first-half 3-pointers, leading all scorers with 12 points.
Vavers and Glass Lead the Comeback
Vavers capped off his impressive night with a career-high five made 3-point field goals, finishing with 17 points. But it was true freshman Ace Glass who stole the show in the final seconds. With the Cougs trailing by two and under 10 seconds remaining, Glass drove to the basket and floated the ball off the glass, putting WSU up 77-76.
Did you know?
Ace Glass’ game-winning float is reminiscent of NBA superstar Stephen Curry’s iconic “angled” shot.
Glass Clutch at the Line
Glass was fouled on the play and sank the free throw to extend the lead to three. The Cougars then held on for dear life as the final buzzer sounded, securing a thrilling victory.
Pro Tip
In pressure situations, focus on your fundamentals and trust your practice, just like Ace Glass did in this game.
Okafor’s Dominance Inside
ND Okafor was a force in the paint, posting up 14 points and a team-high nine rebounds. The senior’s presence was felt on both ends, swatting away four shots and providing a steadying influence throughout the contest.
Jerone Morton’s Steady Hand
Senior guard Jerone Morton chipped in with a season-high 15 points, including four clutch free throws, and buried three 3-pointers. Morton’s contributions were crucial in helping the Cougs secure the home victory.
Looking Ahead to Oregon State
Washington State (7-9, 2-1) will gear up for a key Pac-12 matchup against the Oregon State Beavers (8-8, 0-3) on Sunday, January 4. The Cougars will travel to Spokane’s Numerica Veterans Arena for the fourth head-to-head meeting at that venue in the programs’ history.
FAQs
Q: Who leads the Cougars in scoring?
A: Junior guard Rihards Vavers leads Washington State in scoring with an average of 16.5 points per game.
Q: What is ND Okafor’s impact on the game?
A: Okafor is a dominant presence in the paint, averaging 10.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game.
Q: When is the next Cougar game?
A: Washington State plays the Oregon State Beavers on Sunday, January 4, at 4:30 p.m. PST.
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