Borislava Hristova powers Washington State’s women past Beijing Normal

PULLMAN – Borislava Hristova found her shooting stroke, and Washington State capitalized in a 71-63 victory over Beijing Normal University in an exhibition women’s basketball game Thursday at Beasley Coliseum.

Held scoreless in the first quarter, Hristova finished with a game-high 28 points. She scored six points during a crucial 11-0 fourth-quarter run that helped the Cougars seal the victory.

Liu Yuton’s bucket gave Beijing Normal a 58-56 lead with 4 1/2 minutes left in the fourth quarter, but the Cougars responded with their well-timed run to take control. Chanelle Molina converted a three-point play for a 59-58 edge, and Hristova’s two free throws capped the spurt with WSU leading 67-58 with 1:39 remaining.

Molina finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds.

Hristova snared seven boards for WSU, which outrebounded Beijing Normal 49-29.

The Cougars trailed 30-29 at halftime. Yuton scored 10 first-half points for the Chinese team, while Molina paced WSU with nine points and eight rebounds.

The Cougs open their season officially at home Tuesday against Pepperdine at 7 p.m.