Washington State Beats Colorado State in Secret Scrimmage

The Cougars got a good win against a tournament team from last season.

Keenan Womack | Oct 22, 2024

Feb 16, 2023; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars mascot Butch performs before a men s basketball game against the Oregon State Beavers at Friel Court at Beasley Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images / James Snook-Imagn Images

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The Cougars played Colorado State in a secret scrimmage in Fort Collins on Sunday afternoon, winning 87-78 over a tournament team from last season, one that finished 25-11 overall before losing to Texas in the Round of 64. Both teams have heavily turned over rosters, but the offense is what stuck out for the Cougars.

Though Colorado State has made two tournaments in the last three seasons, they did lose point guard Isaiah Stevens (16.0 points, 6.8 assists) to graduation. They also lost seven other players, including Josiah Strong (6.6 points 2.6 rebounds), Joe Palmer (5.0 points, 3.0 rebounds), Joel Scott (13.1 points, 6.1 rebounds), and Patrick Cartier (10.3 points). Some reserves also left, players like Kyle Evans, Tavionte Jackson, and Javonte Johnson.

The Rams did however retain pro-caliber wing Nique Clifford, who was a projected second-rounder in the 2024 NBA Draft. Clifford averaged 12.2 points, 7.6 boards, and 3.0 assists per game last season and plays very strong defense, meaning that he is a good matchup for Washington State's Cedric Coward.

Scoring 87 points as a new unit is impressive, but nothing new for David Riley and company. Last season, Eastern Washington averaged 80.8 points per game, which had them 28th in the country out of 362 teams in Division-I college basketball. The fact that he brought so many players with him means his system could be just as effective even at a higher level of college hoops, and this win over CSU was another indication that Washington State is moving in the right direction.

Washington State opens its season against Portland State on Monday, November 4 at Beasley Coliseum in Pullman.

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Published Oct 22, 2024|Modified Oct 22, 2024

KEENAN WOMACK

Keenan Womack is a sportswriter native to Dallas, Texas, who has spent the last 12 years in Austin, the home of his alma mater, the University of Texas. Keenan has covered sports for SB Nation, Bleacher Report, Rivals/Orangebloods, a host of his own sites and now, Fan Nation. Focusing on basketball, Keenan was on the beat for the Longhorns hoops team for the last two-and-a-half years before moving on to pursue other opportunities. He is married and lives with his wife close to the Moody Center, so they can continue to catch games together.