Buffalo vs. Washington State: Cougs start slow, pull away for 65-54 win

Led by Brock Motum and some timely three-point shooting, Washington State pulled away from Buffalo late in the game and held on for a 65-54 win in the Cougar Hardwood Classic on Friday.

The Cougars and Bulls went back-and-forth during the first half, each getting hot from three-point range. WSU built an 11-point lead, but Buffalo came all the way back and led by two, 37-35, at halftime. Both teams shot 7 of 11 from three-point range in the first half.

Washington State and Buffalo continued to trade baskets in the second half until the Cougars began to pull away with just over six minutes to play. After going scoreless for more than 20 minutes, Brock Motum scored seven straight points to give WSU a lead. The Cougars used a 10-1 run to put some distance between themselves and the Bulls and secure the win.

Motum finished with 15 points and seven rebounds. DaVonte Lacy had his three point shot going as he led all scorers with 19 points. Lacy made 5 of 7 three-point attempts. Tony Watson helped keep Buffalo in the game by scoring 18 points off the bench including 12 on three-point shots.

With the win, WSU improved to 8-4 on the season. The Cougars are now 8-0 in the Cougar Hardwood Classic.