Jacob Thorpe

Washington State will try to pick up the first Pac-12 sweep of Ernie Kent’s time coaching the Cougars when they face Colorado on Sunday.

Danny Amendola just earned his second Super Bowl ring and finished his eighth NFL season in part because of his precise route running – he has a world-class ability to travel specific distances along predetermined paths.

PULLMAN – The last time Washington State faced Utah, the Cougars suffered one of the worst defeats ever on their home court – an 88-47 beat-down in Beasley Coliseum. The Cougars (11-12, 4-7 Pac-12) have become a more competitive bunch since that loss. They will try to prove it on Thursday at 6 p.m. during the rematch against Utah in front of what is sure to be a large, hostile crowd in Salt Lake City.

With four seniors in the starting lineup, alongside a freshman point guard in Malachi Flynn who is already ready for 33 minutes per game, Ernie Kent has kept a tight rotation this season.

Washington State is a better, more competitive, more fun team in Ernie Kent’s third year. But be careful with these Cougars – give them the chance and they will break your heart.

Normally, having one player who enters a zone in which he simply can’t miss from downtown is enough to win a basketball game. When two do it? Well, it’s no wonder Idaho cruised past Portland State 89-72 on Thursday Night in Cowan Spectrum.

In recent years college football recruits have committed to programs earlier, only to change their minds at least once before signing their letters of intent. That trend might have even reached its zenith with the 2017 signing class, that saw every Pac-12 school lose longtime commits and scramble to fill their spots.

Ben Moos, son of Washington State athletic director Bill Moos, signed to play football at Cal on Wednesday.

Once again Washington State proved surprisingly sticky while a top-team tried to shake them. And once again the Cougars were just a little too sloppy to spring an upset, falling 95-79 to No. 11 UCLA on Wednesday in front of 4,109 fans in Beasley Coliseum.

It only took one minute for Jim Mastro to break the mold. The Washington State running backs coach has always preferred to recruit a certain type of player – big, fast backs who can outrun a defense after they have exhausted the defenders with physical play.

PULLMAN – Washington State will play host to a familiar and not particularly imposing Goliath on Wednesday when the Cougars face No. 11 UCLA at Beasley Coliseum, where they have a three-game winning streak against the Bruins. The Cougars (11-10, 4-5 Pac-12) enter the second half of conference play on the upswing, having split the road series against the Arizona schools last week, including a competitive showing against No. 5 Arizona. Though the Cougars lost to the Wildcats, they came back to beat Arizona State on Sunday.

Jeff Phelps has needed to be a creative salesman during his 10 days as the Washington State defensive line coach – his job has primarily consisted of selling a product while learning about it at the same time.

Ernie Kent and Curtis Allen sat in the Tacoma recruit’s living room, and Kent tried to convince the young basketball star to come play for his program. Just like usual, Kent was making a pitch. But in a reversal of his current role, Allen was getting recruited.

Washington State will try to come away from its longest Pac-12 road trip of the season with a split at 11 a.m. on Sunday at Arizona State.

Washington State linebacker Logan Tago has been suspended by athletic director Bill Moos for the second time because of his role in an alleged incident on June 4, for which he was charged with second-degree felony robbery and fourth-degree misdemeanor assault.

Washington State played its most valiant game in two years on Thursday, trading baskets for all but a few minutes despite a hostile crowd and talented opponents at No. 7 Arizona. But a few minutes were all the Wildcats needed to turn the tight game into a comfortable win, beating the Cougars 79-62 thanks to just a few moments of dominance.

Former WSU linebacker Jeremiah Allison’s new surroundings are at least as opulent as college athletics facilities, though he has traded in trendy and modern for a more enduring, classical look.

All three guards played well in WSU's win over the Buffaloes.

Ernie Kent talks about improved bench play and Charles Callison's big night in WSU's win over Colorado.