In an impressive showcase, freshman Myles Rice racked up a significant 21 points, primarily in the second half, to propel Washington State to a 62-56 win against Oregon on Saturday. This victory was crucial as it was a fight for the runner-up spot in the Pac-12 Conference standings.
Rice demonstrated his prowess by sinking 6 of 15 field goal attempts, including a crucial 3-pointer, for the Cougars. Now standing at 18-6 overall with a 9-4 conference record, Washington State has seen a streak of success, winning five straight games and eight of their past nine encounters. Along with nine rebounds, three assists, and a couple of steals, Rice matches Mohamed Gueye’s program record by earning his fifth freshman-of-the-week honor.
Contributing to the win, Jaylen Wells delivered exceptional shooting, continuing from his flawless six 3-point conversions in a previous victory over Oregon State. Scoring 13 points with perfect 3-point shooting against Oregon, Wells was pivotal in helping the Cougars establish a 29-27 halftime lead, a precursor to their 16-0 record when leading at the break this season.
Isaac Jones added his share with 13 points, six rebounds, and two blocks, contributing to a rare sweep of the Oregon schools on the road—something not accomplished since 2009. Also on the scoresheet, Oscar Cluff contributed a solid 12 points and six rebounds.
Although Oregon’s Jermaine Couisnard put up a strong fight with 16 points, he was eventually sidelined with foul trouble. N’Faly Dante tallied a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds, while Jadrian Tracey capped off with 10 points before also fouling out.
Rice’s and Cluff’s performance filled the second half’s first 10 minutes, expanding the Cougars’ lead to 47-38. After a series of missed 3-point attempts, Oregon cut their deficit thanks to a Couisnard’s timely three. Despite the Ducks’ rally attempts, Rice’s clutch playing, including a crucial 3-pointer and successful free throws, helped secure the Cougars’ victory.
The Cougars have set a defensive precedent this season, typically limiting opponents to 41% field goal shooting. Against them, Oregon managed to shoot only 36% and struggled from the 3-point line, missing 14 of 18 attempts.
Looking forward, Washington State is set to host California on Thursday, while Oregon aims to bounce back in their upcoming game against Oregon State on February 17.
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FAQ
- Who was the standout player for Washington State?
- Freshman Myles Rice was the standout player, scoring 21 points with 14 coming in the second half.
- Did any other players contribute significantly to the win?
- Yes, Jaylen Wells and Isaac Jones significantly contributed to Washington State’s victory with Wells scoring 13 points and Jones adding 13 points, six rebounds, and two blocks.
- How did Oregon fare in the game?
- Oregon’s Jermaine Couisnard scored 16 points and N’Faly Dante registered a double-double, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win as the team shot only 36% from the field.
- When is Washington State’s next game?
- Washington State is set to play against California at home on Thursday following this victory.
- How can I sign up for AP Top 25 basketball updates?
- You can sign up for updates and poll alerts throughout the AP Top 25 basketball season by following the provided links in the article.
Conclusion
The 62-56 victory over Oregon demonstrates Washington State’s capacity to execute under pressure and solidify their hold on the second spot in the Pac-12 Conference. Led by Myles Rice’s outstanding performance, buoyed by contributions from Wells, Jones, and Cluff, the Cougars showcased offensive dynamism and defensive solidity that bodes well for their upcoming fixtures. This win marks a significant moment for Washington State as they not only continue their current win streak but also break a multi-year record by sweeping the Oregon schools on the road. As the season advances, the Cougars exhibit potential for a strong finish in the Pac-12 Conference.
