In what can only be considered an ugly game, Washington State escaped with a 43-38 win over USC.
Brock Motum led the way for WSU pouring in 27 points including 13 during the first 3:32 of the second half. Motum was the only real offensive threat for WSU as no other Cougar scored more than six points.
WSU built a 17-point lead with less than 12 minutes to play, but an eight minute scoring drought allowed USC to cut the lead down to three. Despite the fact the Trojans shot just 28.9 percent from the floor, WSU needed two late free throws from Reggie Moore to put the game away.
Motum's 27 point effort was his third highest scoring game of the season. He ends the regular season as the Pac-12's second leading scoring averaging 18.1 points per game. Motum also grabbed four rebounds meaning he will need at least four rebounds in the Cougars Pac-12 tournament game to join the 500 point 200 rebound club.
The Cougars not named Motum combined to shoot just 6-for-21 from the floor including 0-for-6 from 3-point range. This was not a game to add to the offensive highlight reel. In fact, whoever recorded this game should probably just cut the Motum baskets out then burn the film.
Mike Ladd scored just two points, but he did pull down a career-high 11 rebounds. Marcus Capers was WSU's second leading rebounder with eight. In total, Cougar guards grabbed 25 of the teams 36 rebounds.
Washington State finishes the regular season at 15-15 overall and 7-11 in the Pac-12. They will face Oregon State on Wednesday in the first round of the Pac-12 tournament. The game is scheduled for 12 p.m. WSU beat Oregon State twice this season including an 83-73 win last month in Corvallis.