COUGARS

Though the numbers don't show it – they are bad, but not Stanford bad – this was the worst offensive first half of the season for the Cougs. They are shooting 29 percent, including just 3 of 13 beyond the arc. The real problem is most of the shots have been great looks, not tough shots taking under duress. That's what's so poor about the half. Oops, almost forgot the nine turnovers, including five (officially, I have him with six) by Klay Thompson. But Thompson hit a 3-pointer as time expired and despite all the problems, WSU was down by just three. The key stat tonight: WSU is dominating the boards, with a 20-13 edge, including 8-1 on the offensive end. That's giving the Cougars more attempts (28 to 21) despite the turnovers. If it wasn't for Nic Wise, with 15 points, the Cougars would be up. In fact, besides Wise, Chase Budinger (eight) and Jordan Hill (six) – UA's big three – no one else wearing a blue uniform has scored. Caleb Forrest leads WSU with nine, seven from the line. ... Before we go to halftime, there's one thing I don't understand. When a player is on the floor with the ball and another player dives on top of his back, trying to tie him up, why is that not a foul? If they both were standing up, and player two dove on player one's back, it would be a foul, right? Doesn't make sense to me. It happened again – I think I've seen it at least a half-dozen times this season – in the first half and the official called a jump ball, despite the player on the court having his chest ground into the floor. Just saying. ... We'll be back at the end.

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