- Dane Erikstrup records 15-point, 12-rebound double-double
- Washington State shoots 52% from field in first WCC season
- Cougars secure 6th place conference finish with defensive dominance
Washington State basketball delivered a statement win Saturday night, defeating Pepperdine 90-83 behind Dane Erikstrup's complete performance. The junior forward dominated both ends of the court, converting 62% of his field goal attempts while anchoring the defense with three crucial blocks.
Ethan Price emerged as a two-way threat, sinking three long-range shots and matching Erikstrup's scoring output. The Cougars' 48-34 halftime advantage proved insurmountable despite Pepperdine's Zion Bethea erupting for 22 points. Advanced metrics reveal Washington State's 14-2 edge in second-chance points sealed the victory.
Conference Impact: This win solidifies Washington State's transition to the West Coast Conference, marking their first top-six finish since leaving the Pac-12. Sports analysts note the Cougars' 18-13 record demonstrates improved roster depth compared to previous seasons.
Three critical insights emerge from this matchup:
- Modern college basketball success requires 70%+ defensive rebounding rates (WSU achieved 73%)
- Teams changing conferences see 22% average win improvement in second season
- International players accounted for 41% of Pepperdine's scoring output
Regional analysis shows Pacific Northwest programs now claim 19% of WCC roster spots, up from 9% in 2020. This shift reflects Washington State's growing influence in West Coast recruiting pipelines following their conference realignment.