In a thrilling finish at Pullman, Washington, Washington State's Cougars ended their five-game losing streak by narrowly defeating Pepperdine Waves with an 87-86 victory. The nail-biting game witnessed remarkable plays from LeJuan Watts and Ethan Price, both instrumental in the Cougar's last-minute triumph.
LeJuan Watts sealed the victory by completing a layup with just 11 seconds left on the clock, concluding an impressive game-ending 9-1 run. Not to be overshadowed, Ethan Price's defensive prowess shone when he blocked Stefan Todorovic's desperate 3-point attempt at the buzzer, ensuring the Cougars' win.
This victory was pivotal for Washington State in the West Coast Conference, bringing them to a record of 16-10. Nate Calmese emerged as a leading scorer with 16 points, and an impressive 8-for-13 shooting performance. Adding to the team's success, Dane Erikstrup demonstrated his versatility by contributing 15 points, eight rebounds, and five steals. Isaiah Watts, heating up towards the end, tied the game at 75 points with a crucial 3-pointer with just 28 seconds remaining.
On the other side, Pepperdine put up a fierce competition with Stefan Todorovic at the helm. Todorovic led the Waves with a standout performance scoring 30 points alongside six rebounds, six assists, and two steals. His efforts were complemented by teammates Dovydas Butka and Moe Odum, who scored 19 and 18 points respectively. Especially notable was Odum's well-rounded gameplay, contributing 11 assists and snatching seven rebounds.
During the first half, it was Erikstrup who kept Washington State competitive with 13 points. They entered halftime narrowly trailing Pepperdine, with a score of 45-42. However, the team's resilience broke through in the second half, with Calmese contributing another 10 points to solidify the Cougar's comeback.
The game not only marked a significant statistical impact for the players but also provided a momentum shift for Washington State as they hope to climb the ranks within the West Coast Conference. The grit and teamwork displayed by the Cougars underlines their potential for the rest of the season.
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