WSU runs past the Huskies
COUGARS, 74-64
The second half was once again the property of WSU. And the landlord was Taylor Rochestie.
The left-handed guard, who made only his third start of the season, exploded down the stretch, including exploding into the passing lane with 5:43 left, stealing Jon Brockman's lazy pass and, after being fouled by Justin Dentmon, hitting two free throws to break a tie at 56 and give WSU a lead it would never surrender.
You can read the game story here, and you can find more on Glenn Kasses' blog.
This was a battle, with the Huskies playing like they didn't want their season to end in the NIT. But this is the best Cougar team ever, no matter if there were others with better records. None had to compete in a conference as tough as the Pac-10 is this year.
No matter what happens the rest of the way, this Cougar team has earned respect, with an emphasis on earned. And, I guess, a lot of emphasis on team.
Look who has led the way offensively the past two games: Against USC it was Aron Baynes. Against UW it was Rochestie. Not the Cougs' two all-league guys, Derrick Low and Kyle Weaver (pictured; AP photo). Friday night it could be Daven Harmeling and Ivory Clark. Or maybe Mac Hopson off the bench.
It doesn't matter. This is a team that has to out-work its opponents to win, and it does it almost every night. It's the best team WSU has ever had.