PORTLAND – Even as his first season at Washington State came to a close, when his role was becoming clear er than ever, ND Okafor wasn’t much more than a defensive specialist in spot minutes. He’d come in for a short shift, maybe block a shot or two, then head back to the bench.
(Results and NET rankings through Sunday) 1. Gonzaga (13-1) Results: won at Pepperdine 96-56 NET ranking: No. 2 Comment: The Zags finished last season ranked 29th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency, according to KenPom.com. Through 14 games this season, including …
The Hotline mailbag publishes weekly. Send questions to wilnerhotline@bayareanewsgroup.com and include "mailbag" in the subject line. Or hit me on the social media platform X: @WilnerHotline Some questions have been edited for clarity and brevity. How much money did Washington …
PORTLAND, Ore. – In his second season at the helm of Washington State’s basketball program, David Riley has earned all manner of criticisms. At times, his teams have turned it over too much. At others, they haven’t guarded well enough. …
PULLMAN – After struggling through a miserable nonconference schedule, Washington State’s women’s basketball team turned a new leaf to open conference play. The Cougars picked up their first win in a month, beating Pepperdine 66-63 on Sunday at Beasley Coliseum …
As the college football ecosystem changes, Washington State is changing with it. The Cougars disclosed Sunday they’re re-signing offensive lineman Jaylin Caldwell, the third player for whom they’ve made such an announcement this offseason, joining fellow offensive lineman Ashton Tripp …
PULLMAN – Ten days ago, on a stage somewhere inside the Arena, David Riley took a minute to sing Ace Glass’ praises. Washington State was a few minutes removed from ending a five-game losing streak, dispatching Eastern Washington with ease, …
Despite losing its conference, its coach and its quarterback – plus the offensive coordinator, top tailback, leading receiver and so many other impact players – Washington State went bowling for the ninth time in the past 11 years and finished with a winning record.
PULLMAN – Kirby Moore’s first Washington State coaching staff is starting to come together. The Cougars’ new offensive coordinator is former Boise State co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Matt Miller, according to a Wednesday report from 247 Sports, filling …
PULLMAN – To understand one of the more fascinating subplots of Washington State’s season finale, a romp over Utah State in Monday’s Idaho Potato Bowl, you’ll have to stick with us for a second.
BOISE – For a second, Maxwell Woods looked like an Olympic gymnast. With the ball in one hand, he used the other to reach down to the blue turf, where he planted his hand and regained his balance, sprinting another 35 yards into Utah State territory.
BOISE – Not a single french fry found Danny Freund, the Washington State offensive coordinator who was pilloried over and over this season. He waded through the celebration, around the Cougars taking pictures, around the ones throwing potatoes, in between the ones throwing french fries into their mouths like it was their last meal.
If anybody questioned what would provide the motivation for Washington State’s players going into the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, it was the same that got them playing the game in the first place.
SEATTLE – The Mariners added some veteran depth to their roster on Monday, signing outfielder/first baseman Rob Refsnyder to a one-year, $6.25 million contract. Refsnyder, 34, has spent the last four seasons with the Boston Red Sox, serving as a …
Ace Glass’ breakout freshman season continues to be recognized. The Washington State guard out of Rialto, California, was named West Coast Conference Freshman of the Week for the second time on Monday after solid outings in wins over Eastern Washington …
WSU quarterback Zevi Eckhaus went out as himself. At times this season, that helped the Cougars win games. At others, it helped the Cougs lose them. On Monday, it helped WSU capture its first bowl game win in seven years, heading back to Pullman — into the program’s next era — with a win over Utah State.
BOISE – However you do the math, whichever way you slice the matchup, this bowl game profiles as one of Washington State’s more winnable ones in recent years. At least on the surface. WSU is taking on Utah State in …
BOISE – Here is what to watch for when Washington State takes on Utah State in the Idaho Potato Bowl, set to kick off at 11 a.m. Monday on ESPN. When Utah State has the ball … The Cougars have …
BOISE – Since he was a teenager, Tucker Large has been programmed to take things seriously in December, to crank the intensity meter up to 11. That’s because he spent the first four years of his career at FCS power …