The Washington Cougars withstood an early Kansas State onslaught, battling back to knot the game with just under 12 minutes to go in the half. Washington State has stuck with a 2-3 zone defense, forcing plenty of bad Kansas State shots. The downside to the zone? Rebounding. The Cougs are getting punished on the offensive glass, where it seems Kansas State has had a second chance every possession.
Point guard Reggie Moore made his return from a wrist injury to a load ovation partway through the first half. Junior college transfer Faisal Aden had started in his absence, holding his own through the first five games. Shortly after his return, Moore found an opening on the break, laying the ball in with two hands. We’ll see how that wrist holds up as the game progresses, but so far, so good.
The atmosphere at Beasley is electric, as a capacity crowd has braved the elements to support the Cougs on Apple Cup weekend. With 10 minutes to go in the first half, it’s all tied up, 14-14.