PULLMAN, Wash. — The Washington State women’s basketball team hit three consecutive 3-pointers to start the game, scored 23 points in the first quarter, sank nine total 3s, and never looked back, beating Oregon State 66-52 on Saturday afternoon at Beasley Coliseum.
The Cougars started strong and finished strong in the win, tallying 23 points in the first 10 minutes and closing the final quarter with 21 points to secure the 14-point victory, which improved Washington State's record to 4-1 in West Coast Conference play and 9-7 overall.
Eleonora Villa led the Cougars with 19 points, showcasing her shooting ability throughout the game. Tara Wallack contributed significantly as well, grabbing a career-high 14 rebounds along with 13 points for her second double-double in as many games. Astera Tuhina and Alex Covill both reached double figures, each adding 11 points to the scoreboard.
Defensively, Washington State excelled, limiting Oregon State’s offense to just 6-of-29 shooting from the field and forcing eight turnovers. The Cougars’ formidable defense was instrumental; they held the Beavers to only 1-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc, leading to a significant halftime advantage of 34-19.
After the break, Oregon State attempted to mount a comeback with a quick 5-0 run to kick off the third quarter. Nevertheless, Washington State responded with six unanswered points, maintaining their lead and thwarting the Beavers' efforts to close the gap.
The fourth quarter featured back-and-forth action, with both teams combining for 42 points. Villa scored nine of her 19 points on 4-of-6 shooting in this closing quarter, helping to seal the victory for the Cougars as they faced Oregon State’s desperation attempts to regain the game.
Despite their attempts, the Beavers could not recover from the 20-point deficit established earlier, and the Cougars' shooting prowess significantly outmatched Oregon State's troubles on offense. Washington State's early 3-point barrage and strategic defensive plays dictated the pace of the game, allowing them to dominate the final result.
Looking forward, Washington State will hit the road on Thursday, January 9, to challenge Saint Mary’s at 6:30 p.m. before returning home to host Gonzaga on Saturday, January 11, at noon. This victory adds momentum as they brace for upcoming challenges.