WSU Hoops: A Week of Challenges and Old Foes
The Washington State Cougars face a challenging week ahead, with a mix of old foes and tough opponents. The men's and women's teams have their work cut out for them, but there's a silver lining: both programs have the opportunity to improve their records and make a statement.
The Women's Team: Two Tough Games at Home
The women's team, currently 3-14/2-2, is gearing up for a crucial week. Their first challenge is Oregon State on Thursday at 6 p.m. on ESPN+, led by the formidable Jenna Villa, a former Cougar who has blossomed at Oregon State. During her time at WSU, Villa averaged 5.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game, but her performance with the Beavers is a different story.
In 16 games with Oregon State, Villa is averaging a impressive 15.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per contest. Her shooting percentages are equally impressive, with 44.8% from the field and 34.5% from deep. Villa's performance has been a career-high, scoring 32 points in her last game.
Oregon State's success is not limited to Villa's prowess. Tiara Bolden and Kennedie Shuler are also averaging double-figures, making this a formidable team. The Cougars have had their fair share of struggles against Oregon State, having lost 12 games in a row at one point. However, they have recently turned things around, winning seven of their last eight games.
The Men's Team: A Tough Week Ahead
According to Bart Torvik's metrics, the men's team's second game of the week is the tougher one. Their opponent, Santa Clara, is ranked No. 57, while the Cougars are No. 209. Santa Clara, with a record of 13-4/3-1, has been consistent in non-conference play and recently beat Gonzaga. They have four players averaging double-figures, led by Sophie Glancey at 15.9 points per game.
The men's team, on the other hand, has had a tough season. They are 8-9/3-1 and ranked No. 154 in KenPom. St. Mary's, a top team in the WCC, awaits them on Saturday at 2 p.m. on CBS Sports Network. The Gaels, led by the top-10 player Paulus Murauskas, have a strong defensive record and have only lost to Vanderbilt and Boise State.
Key Statistics and Improvements
The women's team needs to improve their rebounding statistics, currently ranking 350th in the country with only 31.8 rebounds per game. The men's team, however, has shown progress in defensive efficiency, ranking fifth in the WCC according to KenPom since the start of WCC play.
Notable Recognition
Assistant coach Pedro Garcia Rosado was recently named to the Silver Waves Media 100 Most Impactful Mid Major Assistant Coaches and General Managers list, a testament to his contributions to the team's success.
