Hot Cougar Action: Basketball back in action

Thanks in part to some early season struggles and a couple of football incidents off the field, the WSU men's basketball team has been somewhat overshadowed this season.

With football season fading in the rear view mirror, that should begin to change tonight as WSU returns to the court to face Idaho. WSU barely edged out Idaho last season, but this year could be a little different. For one, Reggie Moore is gone after scoring 18 points last season and hitting the game-winning shot. Another major difference is Ray Lopes who joined WSU's coaching staff from Idaho.

Christian Caple's game story focuses on Lopes and Christian also transcribed an interview with Lopes which discusses Lopes' return to WSU and his role in recruiting. Both links, as well as some others can be found below.

Men's Basketball

Facing UI a reunion for WSU’s Lopes - Spokesman.com - Nov. 28, 2012
PULLMAN – Washington State assistant coach Ray Lopes had been told "no" more than a few times.

Ray Lopes talks Idaho, recruiting - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Nov. 27, 2012
FROM PULLMAN — Sat down this morning with WSU assistant coach Ray Lopes, who coached at Idaho the past four seasons. Since the Cougars play the Vandals tomorrow night, we spoke with Lopes about his time there, his role with WSU and some other things. Read on.

Washington State Cougars Vs. Idaho Vandals: 11/28/12 Tyrone's Free College Basketball Pick Against the Spread " Sports Chat Place
The 3-3 Washington State Cougars try to stay perfect at home versus the 1-3 Idaho Vandals Wednesday evening in Pullman. WSU is 3-0 at Wallis Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum disrobing 1-4 Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 1-5 Eastern Washington and 3-4 Utah Valley by a combined 68 points.

Cougars Host Vandals Wednesday - The Washington State University Official Athletic Site
COUGARS AND VANDALS CONTINUE LONGEST RIVALRY WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI: One of the nation's longest continuous rivalries continues as Washington State University men's basketball (3-3) hosts Idaho (1-3), Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. at Beasley Coliseum.

Football

A Western reporter’s journey into Apple Cup 2012 - The Western Front: Sports
It was slightly spiritual. I looked out of the car window ahead of me to see the line of cars winding through the easy, rolling hills of Eastern Washington, full of fans making the pilgrimage to Pullman. Martin stadium, home of the Cougars, had, on this day, become a football mecca.

Pac-12 football schedules announced for Cougars, Huskies " Kitsap Sun
Washington State football coach Mike Leach is optimistic about fielding an improved team next season, but the Cougars won't be getting any help from the schedule maker.

Women's Basketball

Cougars Hit The Road For Two in California - The Washington State University Official Athletic Site
COUGARS HIT THE ROAD FOR TWO IN CALIFORNIA: Washington State University hits the road for a pair of contests this week, facing UC Riverside, Wednesday and Fresno State University, Friday.