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USC stops WSU, 61-51

Feb. 19, 2009 9:20 p.m. • 1 comment

COUGARS

There was an impressive rally in the second half. But the 15-point deficit WSU built with its almost 8-minute first-half scoring drought was just too much to overcome. The Cougars, behind Taylor Rochestie and DeAngelo Casto, cut USC’s lead to one (45-44) on Casto’s 3-point play. In fact, when DeMar DeRozen missed on the other end, WSU had a chance to take the lead. But Rochestie couldn’t get a 3-pointer to drop with 7:05 left, and Dwight Lewis hit a baseline jumper on the other end. Three empty possessions later, USC was up six and the Cougars would never get closer than four after that. Rochestie led WSU with 16 while Caleb Forrest, who kept the Cougars close in the first half, added 12. Taj Gibson paced USC most of the night, scored 16, with Dwight Lewis, who didn’t play in USC’s Pullman win, adding 17. We’ll be back in about 90 minutes with the game story.

One comment on this post so far. Add yours!

OlyCoug on February 19 at 9:54 p.m.
Another head scratcher. Actually, I guess it’s not that complicated. The other team shoots better and makes crucial shots late in the shot clock and…you’re gonna lose.

Good to see Casto bring some fire. Forrest always hustles and tonight they dropped for him. On the negative side, Harmeling’s nightmare season continues. And Klay—what happened there?

Remember the last time WSU had two big scorers in the same game? Yeah, the upset of ASU. Seems eons ago.

Sadly, it looks like this team has given up in many ways. They’re playing hard but behave like they know they’re going to lose it in the end. I can’t say I believe any differently right now.

I tried to explain to my wife how a team can lead the nation in scoring defense, lead the conference in free throw shooting, and STILL end up in eighth or ninth place. It wasn’t easy. I think it went something like, “Well, honey…if you go 2 for 18 from three point land, you’re screwed.”