It has been 22 days since Washington State last took the floor, but the Cougars returned to action on March 31, 2025, in the first round of the College Basketball Crown tournament from Las Vegas. This matchup against Georgetown, held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, was filled with anticipation as both teams faced significant roster challenges.
The Cougars, who entered the tournament with a record of 19-15, had lost their last game on March 9 against San Francisco in the WCC Tournament quarterfinals. Since then, they’ve seen a significant shakeup in their lineup. Guards Nate Calmese and Isaiah Watts have both entered the transfer portal, leaving the Cougars short-handed in the backcourt. Additionally, freshman guard Marcus Wilson, who had been sidelined for the season due to injury, also hit the portal.
Despite these setbacks, Washington State’s starting five remained resilient. LeJuan Watts, Ethan Price, and Dane Erikstrup had started all 33 games this season and were expected to lead the charge against the Hoyas. Adding to the mix were Tomas Thrastarson and Parker Gerrits, with Gerrits making his first career start. Thrastarson had previously filled in admirably when Watts was injured earlier in the season, showcasing his ability to step up under pressure.
On the other side, Georgetown, with a record of 17-15, was also facing its own challenges. The Hoyas hadn’t played since losing to DePaul in the first round of the Big East Tournament on March 12, and they were missing key players. Starting power forward Drew Fielder had entered the transfer portal, while center Thomas Sorber was out for the season. These absences forced Georgetown to rely heavily on their guard and wing play, which could play into Washington State's strategy of exploiting their size advantage.
As the game tipped off at 11 p.m. ET on FS1, Georgetown was favored by 2.5 points, with ESPN giving the Cougars only a 35.2 percent chance to win. This set the stage for a highly competitive matchup, as both teams were eager to prove their worth despite their shorthanded rosters.
The game started with both teams trading baskets, but it was Washington State that took a slight edge. The Cougars were up three at halftime, thanks in part to solid performances from their key players. LeJuan Watts was particularly impressive, leading the team with 22 points, while Ethan Price and Dane Erikstrup contributed 16 and 15 points, respectively.
However, the second half saw Georgetown fight back, capitalizing on their offensive rebounds. The Hoyas managed to grab 18 offensive rebounds, leading to 13 second-chance points. Georgetown guard Malik Mack was on fire, scoring a career-high 37 points and playing a crucial role in the Hoyas' comeback.
As the game reached its climax, Georgetown found themselves up 83-82 with just seconds remaining. In a pivotal moment, Mack missed a straightaway three-pointer but managed to grab his own rebound. This forced Washington State to foul him, stopping the clock and giving Mack a chance to extend the lead from the free-throw line. He sank both shots, pushing the Hoyas ahead.
With time running out, WSU had one last chance to tie the game. Watts was fouled and made the first free throw, intentionally missing the second in hopes of securing a rebound. The ball bounced around and found its way to sophomore wing Ri Vavers, who had a decent look at a three-pointer. Unfortunately for the Cougars, Vavers’ attempt went wide right, sealing an 85-82 victory for Georgetown.
The loss marked the end of Washington State's season, finishing with a record of 19-15. The Cougars faced significant hurdles with key players missing, including their lead ball-handler Calmese and reliable shooter Watts, who averaged 6.5 assists and 26 points combined. Their absence was felt throughout the game, especially in crunch time.
Georgetown, despite missing their own star players like Micah Peavy and Jayden Epps due to a health incident, managed to pull off the win. Peavy and Epps combined for 30 points per game, and their absence could have been detrimental, but the team stepped up to fill the void.
As the dust settled on this thrilling first-round matchup, both teams were left to reflect on their respective seasons and the challenges that lay ahead. For Washington State, it was a painful reminder of the unpredictability of college basketball, where injuries and transfers can dramatically impact a team's fortunes. Georgetown, on the other hand, advanced to the next round, ready to face either Arizona State or Nebraska on April 2, 2025.
In the end, the College Basketball Crown opener delivered excitement, drama, and a fitting end to a season filled with ups and downs for both teams. As the tournament progresses, fans will be eager to see how Georgetown adapts to their continued challenges and whether Washington State can regroup in the offseason.
