On a first-quarter shot against WSU, a player collapsed, and the Huskies nailed seven 3-pointers.
In the first quarter, the Cougs only attempted one shot. The Huskies produced multiple ones.
Indeed, it defies explanation. Bella Murekatete, a senior center, described it as just embarrassing.
The Washington Huskies (10-0, 1-0 Pac-12) defeated the then-No. 21 WSU Cougars (10-2, 0-1 Pac-12) 60-55 in the last Pullman edition of the Apple Cup on Sunday afternoon at Beasley Coliseum. The Cougars had cut a 20-point halftime deficit to a 2-point deficit.
The Cougs had great opportunities to score in the first quarter, but they ended up shooting 0-for-15 (6.7%) from the field after beginning the game 0-for-6.
The squad maintains statistics on the caliber of shots they make, according to head coach Kamie Ethridge.
“There is no excuse for not making any, even though we got some pretty nice looks,” Ethridge remarked. “Scoring two points in a quarter is just not going to win you games.”
UW made the most of every second of the shot clock thanks to Wazzu’s defense, which allowed them to hold the ball past the buzzer on their second possession before Dalayah Daniels scored a layup on their third.
Despite going just 1 for 6, Murekatete scored the only basket for the Cougars in the opening quarter.
Murekatete remarked, “That is the only thing that is unacceptable that you could do.” “There is no way to justify it—that kind of quarter is not acceptable.”
WSU managed a decent 53% shooting percentage in the second quarter, but it was unable to match the Huskies’ scorching 27 points at a 77% shooting percentage.
With six three-pointers in the first half, the Huskies brought the west side’s recent heavy downpour. It could even be referred to as a purple reign.
Senior center Jessica Clarke scored seven points and pulled down two rebounds in the second quarter after coming off the bench in her first game back.
Clarke took two dribbles with her back to the basket, pump faked, turned around, and made the shot, gathering the and-1 en route to the basket. Nobody appeared to be more impressed by Clarke’s successful free shot than Bella, who gave him a chest bump as soon as she returned to the bench.
Ethridge expressed satisfaction with Clarke’s performance in her first game back, but added that her staff will keep helping her regain her form.
Ethridge remarked, “She gave us some good scoring punch off the bench.”
On December 10 in Pullman, Washington, Jessica Clarke attempts to block a shot while WSU women’s basketball team loses to UW 60-55.
The Cougs returned from halftime in the third quarter with the intensity and determination that Coug supporters are much more accustomed to.
Despite not scoring in the first half, Charlisse Leger-Walker caused a hiccup for the Huskies by stealing the ball, finding the foul line three times, and going perfect five for five from there.
The Cougs were behind by 11 going into the last ten minutes.
WSU and UW exchanged turnovers to open the fourth quarter, and then sophomore Kyra Gardener of WSU tried a 3-pointer that rimmed out. Gardner, Raymond’s WIAA idol, had the opportunity to ignite the flame that ultimately brought UW to an end.
That was not in the cards, unfortunately for the Cougs.
In the fourth quarter, Tara Wallack made the Cougs’ opening shot, cutting the UW lead to nine.
Murekatete, who scored 12 points and pulled down two rebounds in the fourth quarter alone, assisted the Cougs in maintaining their pressure.
With a plus/minus of 7, Leger-Walker was the most valuable player on the court during the fourth quarter. To Ethridge’s dismay, she committed three personal fouls and scored four points. Later in the game, Ethridge challenged the referee’s call.
On December 10 in Pullman, Washington, Charlisse Leger-Walker makes a layup as WSU women’s basketball falls to UW 60-55.
The Cougars had possibly their worst offensive quarter in school history in the first half and were unable to overcome it in the second half, despite their best efforts.
Leger-Walker remarked, “Knowing that we do not even fully realize who somebody is is incredibly frustrating.” “And that first half, just sort of demonstrating or confirming to ourselves that we are far superior to that.” Therefore, it stinks to lose this way.”
Ethridge claimed that the Cougs came into this game lacking motivation once more. remarks she made in response to WSU’s initial defeat by Green Bay two weeks ago.
“You have to take a brutal stance and defeat your opponent. You know, I believe you can lose that really quickly. Because of this, your team needs to have exceptional leadership that prevents any team members from falling short in that regard, according to Ethridge. “I do not think we have arrived yet.”
UW surpassed their season averages to maintain their winning streak. The Huskies have won two straight five-point games, defeating Montana State 55-50 in Seattle and departing Pullman with a 60-55 draw, after winning their previous eight games by an average of 29.5 points.
Three Huskies scored in double figures, and five others scored points. Hannah Stines, a sophomore, led the Huskies with nine rebounds, three 3-pointers, and 21 points. Lauren Schwartz, a fifth-year player, added 20 points and three 3-pointers as well. Daniels grabbed five rebounds and scored 11 points.
They maintain your integrity. And they will humiliate you in the same way that they humiliated us if you are not at your best and do not arrive as hungry as they did.
A audience of about 1,455 attended, with WSU’s finals week quickly approaching. With 1,587 fans, it was the second-best attendance for WSU women’s basketball this year, after Gonzaga on November 9.
Being there was incredibly exciting. And we hope you guys can come back and give us another chance with this large crowd. We are very, very, very sorry that we couldn’t, like, give you guys a win,” Murekatete remarked.
On December 10, in Pullman, Washington, Bella Murekatete collides with Chloe Briggs in the paint as she rises to score.
At 2:00 p.m., WSU will play its next Cougar match. Sunday at Beasley Coliseum against the Houston Cougars
