Mike Sando

Oregon squandered most of a 17-point lead Saturday and seemed determined to give away yet another basketball game, but Washington State was unable to capitalize. Missed free throws, poor rebounding and a disastrous stretch immediately after halftime were among the culprits as the Cougars suffered a 71-62 Pac-10 men's basketball defeat before 8,213 typically boisterous fans at McArthur Court.

Oregon State's Iyan Walker beats Washington State's Carlos Daniel to the hoop. Photo by Associated Press

Acknowledging the problem is considered the first step to recovery. Oregon State has taken that step. Whether the Beavers can recover from their 0-4 conference start may depend on what happens tonight, when Washington State visits Gill Coliseum for a 7:05 tipoff deemed unfit for television.

Darling

Washington State will give football coach Mike Price three cheers and a nice reward following Rose Bowl season. Photo by Dan Pelle/The Spokesman-Review

Steve Slotemaker of Washington State, left, swats away a shot by Arizona State's Urit Kelly. Photo by Associated Press

Whether Don Newman can shake the interim label at Arizona State remains unclear, but he has already beaten the odds, covered the spread and exceeded the "over" for total wins. Even Stevin Smith and Isaac Burton, the ex-players convicted in the 1994 point-shaving scheme that led to coach Bill Frieder's resignation, might not bet against Newman now.

WSU's Steve Slotemaker gets the rejection against Arizona's Quynn Tebbs during first-half action at the Arena. Photo by Shawn Jacobson/The Spokesman-Review

Kevin Eastman can point to several reasons to worry about his WSU basketball team, but his chief concern is tonight's game with Arizona. Photo by Dan McComb/The Spokesman-Review

Washington's Todd MacCulloch wrests this rebound away from the Cougars' Will Hutchens. Photo by Associated Press

Nian Taylor is only one of Fab Five returning. Photo by Christopher Anderson/The Spokesman-Review

Quarterback Ryan Leaf looks at his parents Friday during a press conference to announce he will turn pro this year. Photo by Christopher Anderson/The Spokesman-Review

1. Myron "Mike" Davis, a member of the 1931 WSU Rose Bowl team, clowns around with Cougars receiver Chris Jackson during photo day Wednesday. Photo by Christopher Anderson/The Spokesman-Review 2. Shawn McWashington and the rest of the "Fab Five" receivers are expected to be a key to a WSU win. Photo by Christopher Anderson/The Spokesman-Review

1. Jesse Ratcliff and coach Mike Price were in the mood for singing the Washington State University fight song after the Cougars defeated UCLA 37-34. Photo by Colin Mulvany/The Spokesman-Review 2. When Chris Jackson gathered in this touchdown pass, the Apple Cup almost became a runaway. Photo by J. Bart Rayniak/The Spokesman-Review

Jason McEndoo, left, sought out Bauman following tragedy that included Ryan McShane. Photo by Associated Press

1. WSU coach Mike Price has gained the respect of his players by being a take-charge leader who is willing to deflect criticism of them onto himself. Photo by Christopher Anderson/The Spokesman-Review 2. Price give words of encouragement to Lamont Thompson. Photo by Christopher Anderson/The Spokesman-Review 3. WSU coach Mike Price greets Alton Warner at practice at the L.A. Coliseum last week. Warner played for Price at Weber State in 1983 and 1984. Photo by Christopher Anderson/The Spokesman-Review

Myron "Mike" Davis (right), a halfback on the 1931 WSU Rose Bowl team, passes along encouragement and memories to this year's Cougars team Friday at the L.A. Coliseum. Photo by Christopher Anderson/The Spokesman-Review

1. In the category of "Heisman Firsts," Charles Woodson is the answer as the first primarily defensive player to win college football's premier award. Photo by Associated Press 2. Charles Woodson (2) has shown the way to Pasadena for the Wolverines, especially teammate Marcus Ray (29). Photo by Julian H. Gonzalez/Detroit Free Press

1. Brandon Moore and his only sister, Rosalind (pictured) keep memories of their late mother close to their hearts. Photo by Christopher Anderson/The Spokesman-Review 2. Brandon Moore hugs his nephew, Damon, after an L.A. practice. Moore's brothers, Avery, far left, and Derrick, background, joined uncle Dennis, right, at the WSU workout. Photo by Christopher Anderson/The Spokesman-Review

1. Shawn McWashington signs autographs for two young fans. Photo by Christopher Anderson/The Spokesman-Review 2. Steve Gleason gets in the holiday mood at practice. Photo by Christopher Anderson/The Spokesman-Review 3. After leading DeJuan Gilmore (1) and the Cougars through their second practice in L.A., Ryan Leaf (16) obliged fans. Photo by Christopher Anderson/The Spokesman-Review

Because defensive coordinator Bill Doba really gets into his work, Grady Emmerson and the Cougars don't often get pushed around. Photo by Dan Pelle/The Spokesman-Review

Delmar Morais finishes his first workout with Cougars in L.A. Photo by Christopher Anderson/The Spokesman-Review

Washington State quarterback Ryan Leaf loosens up his passing arm in the Los Angeles Coliseum. Photo by Christopher Anderson/The Spokesman-Review