COUGARS

FROM PHOENIX -- It's another gameday, which means another live chat later this morning -- 11 a.m., as is customary for a 12 p.m. start -- before the Cougars take on Arizona State. But first, we have some links to get to, including our stringer's game story from WSU's shocking 58-56 overtime loss to Pepperdine last night in men's basketball. Read on.

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Yes, the Cougars stumbled late and suffered what could end up being their worst loss of the season, falling in overtime to a Pepperdine team ranked No. 288 in the nation by stats guru Ken Pomeroy. Brock Motum led the way with 15 points, Royce Woolridge scored 11 and Mike Ladd added 10 points and 13 rebounds, but WSU also finished with 20 turnovers. And the Cougars made just 19 field goals. That's not a good ratio. ... Here's the AP story from the basketball game. ... On the football side, we had our usual advance and 2-minute drill, plus a blog post with WSU's official release about the regents' approval of the new football operations building. ... Howie Stalwick writes that the Cougars are getting plenty of national attention despite a 2-8 record. ... Bud Withers has a preview box in the Seattle Times. ... Here's a preview from the AP. ... From Arizona State: Doug Haller offers a scouting report and a prediction. Todd Graham has a new tradition for Sun Devils seniors.

Elsewhere in the Pac-12 ...

Washington (6-4, 4-3 Pac-12) at Colorado (1-9, 1-6), 10:30 a.m., FX -- The Huskies are looking to continue their resurgence with theif fourth consecutive win. At this point, it's about pride for the Buffaloes.

USC (7-3, 5-3) at UCLA (8-2, 5-2), 12:05 p.m., FOX -- One of two games in the conference this weekend that will help decide who plays for the Pac-12 championship. UCLA's seniors have one last shot to end their USC losing streak.

Stanford (8-2, 6-1) at Oregon (10-0, 7-0), 5 p.m., ABC -- This is the other big one, but few expect Stanford to be able to keep up.

Arizona (6-4, 3-4) at Utah (4-6, 2-5), 7 p.m., ESPNU -- Arizona's running back isn't lacking for enthusiasm. Utah is in must-win mode with bowl eligibility on the line.

California (3-8, 2-6) at Oregon State (7-2, 5-2), 7:30 p.m., Pac-12 Network -- Sean Mannion returns for the Beavers, while Cal tries to end its miserable season on a somewhat positive note.

In basketball action last night ... Colorado held off No. 16 Baylor, 60-58, to score the Pac-12's best win so far. ... Oregon State took a 66-58 win over Purdue, though the Beavers lost a key player to injury. ... California beat Denver, 72-51. ... Sacramento State upended Utah, 74-71. ... Oregon sprinted past Vanderbilt, 74-48.

We'll see you at 11 a.m. (that's Pacific time) for our live chat.

Christian Caple can be reached at christianc@spokesman.com. Twitter: @ChristianCaple

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