After a surprising two-game winning streak to start the Pac-12 Tournament, the Washington State women's basketball team's season came to an end with a 64-49 loss to California.
While the 15-point loss looks like a blowout, WSU held tight with Cal for the first 34 minutes before a late run and free throw shooting helped the Bears stretch their lead. Unlike their victory against USC, WSU did not shoot the ball well against Cal. The Cougars made just 17 of their 63 shots from the floor including 5 of 19 on 3-point attempts. Cal also dominated the Cougars on the glass outrebounding WSU 59-25.
Based on those two stats, you might think Cal should have dominated from start to finish. Instead, WSU hung around with the NCAA Tournament bound Bears by forcing Cal into 25 turnovers, which they converted into 24 points. After going into halftime tied, the Cougars started the second half strong, stretching their lead to five points with 15 minutes to play. For a moment, it looked as if their surprising run might continue, but as the game wore on, Cal's size advantage proved to be too much. Cal dominated inside, outscoring WSU 42-20 in the paint.
Sage Romberg and April Cook both scored in double figures with Romberg leading the Cougars with 11 points. WSU's run in the tournament was a strong finish to a disappointing season. Injuries and shooting woes plagued the Cougars all season. They will lose a few important pieces to graduation, but will regain two starters from injuries. Next season should be an interesting one for June Daugherty's squad, hopefully this run in the tournament was a sign of things to come.
Women's Basketball
WSU's Pac-12 Tournament Run Ends In Semifinals Against Cal - The Washington State University Official Athletic Site
LOS ANGELES - Washington State University's run in the Pacific Life Pac-12 Tournament came to an end Friday afternoon, as the Cougars dropped a 64-49 decision to second seeded University of California in a semifinal matchup held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Postseason run ends for WSU women - Spokesman.com - March 9, 2012
LOS ANGELES – With 16 minutes remaining in one of the semifinals in the Pacific-12 Conference women’s basketball tournament, the improbable seemed possible.
Abrupt end for WSU women | WSU Cougars - The News Tribune
LOS ANGELES – Washington State’s successful run at the Pacific-12 Conference women’s basketball tournament came to a crash landing Friday, but the Cougars gained newfound respect.
Resilient Cal ends Washington State's upset run - AP State Sports - The Sacramento Bee
LOS ANGELES -- Gennifer Brandon had 13 points and 15 rebounds, Britt Boyd added 14 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, and California ended 11th-seeded Washington State's surprising Pac-12 tournament run with a 64-49 victory Friday in the semifinals.
Cougars | Washington State women fall in Pac-12 semifinals | Seattle Times Newspaper
LOS ANGELES — Washington State had its share of fairy-tale moments this season.
Football
2012 Pac-12 spring preview - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
Oregon coach Chip Kelly was baffled in a phone interview before the Rose Bowl. How the heck could little-old-him be important to a reporter? "The big story," he said conspiratorially,"is all these new coaches."
Baseball
Cougars Lose Opener of Road Trip - The Washington State University Official Athletic Site
LAS VEGAS - Mark Shannon collected three hits, including a home run, and UNLV defeated visiting Washington State 2-1 in the opener of a three-game nonconference baseball series, Friday.