Fans Cheer WSU Hoops

Joanna Smith passed, Kristin Erickson scored and the Washington State men mostly dunked.

After three days of intense workouts, the WSU women’s and men’s basketball teams cut loose for nearly 2 hours Thursday night, showing off for roughly 1,800 enthusiastic spectators in Bohler Gym.

Smith outshot Blake Pengelly from long range in a battle of freshmen guards, nailing 9 of 12 to win the 3-point contest. Carlos Daniel easily won the dunk contest, windmilling his way past Rodrigo de la Fuente and Chris Crosby.

Late Night With the Cougars concluded with a couple of 10-minute scrimmages. Passing and defense were optional.

Notes

Men’s coach Kevin Eastman said backup point guard Kareem Jackson, who has been out with a knee injury, could return Monday. Pengelly is expected to start at the point, Eastman said, with de la Fuente and Beau Archibald providing ballhandling relief… . Three fans made 1 of 3 halfcourt shots. Anyone making two would have won $10,000. Three makes was good for $20,000… . Junior forward Amy Saneholtz, who suffered a serious knee injury last season, played in the scrimmage and appears to be making progress… . Smith found Erickson inside for several easy baskets during the women’s game. … The men practiced for 3-1/2 hours Wednesday and more than 2 hours Thursday. “We’re so young, we just have so much to learn,” Eastman said.

, DataTimes