Cougs faring well in the FIBA World Cup

If you like international basketball, you've probably been enjoying the FIBA World Cup. It may not be to the level of the Olympics, but outside of that, it's the best international basketball you'll find. I thoroughly enjoy international basketball and the Washington State Cougars so the FIBA World Cup has been great.

I haven't counted the numbers for every program, but WSU might be the most represented college team in the competition. Klay Thompson is playing well for the United States. Aron Baynes is leading Australia in scoring with Brock Motum also contributing. Thomas Abercrombie is coming off a 22-point effort for New Zealand. That gives WSU four representatives and all four will be in action on Wednesday.

Thompson and the United States will take on Abercrombie and New Zealand at 8:30 a.m. PT. Thompson and Abercrombie will likely match up on at least one occasion during the game. The two were never at WSU at the same time with Abercrombie spending 2006-2008 in Pullman before Thompson arrived in 2009. You can watch the game on ESPN2.

Baynes and Motum will play Lithuania in a game that will also tip at 8:30 a.m. Baynes is averaging 17 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, both totals lead Australia. Motum is averaging 8.0 points and 2.5 rebounds per. A win would go a long way to helping Australia advance from Group D. If they do, they could match up with Thompson and the United States in the Round of 16.

Football:

Cyrus Coen returns to the practice field - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Sept. 1, 2014
Mitch Peterson did a yeoman's job against Rutgers in place of starting Sam linebacker Cyrus Coen. He didn't shy away from the moment and collected 16 tackles against a power team that tested him time and again.

Cougars' Halliday stepping up as a leader - Spokesman.com - Sept. 1, 2014
When Washington State was at its worst during its deflating loss to Rutgers last Thursday, senior quarterback Connor Halliday was at his best. After a costly turnover in the fourth quarter, Halliday ran over to the offending receiver but did not express his frustration. Instead, he gave him a high-five and a smile.

Madison already starting at WSU | The Highline Times / Des Moines News
Cole Madison has stepped right into the fray as a freshman at Washington State University.

Pac-12 Power Rankings: UCLA takes a dive in Week 2 - Arizona Desert Swarm
10. Washington State Cougars ↓↓: Not a good look by Mike Leach's team dropping its opener to Rutgers. The run defense was atrocious by giving up five yards per carry and 173 alone to Rutgers back Paul James, while the Cougs themselves averaged 0.4 yards per rush. They were outrushed 215 to six -- seriously.

Basketball:

Cougar Update at FIBA World Cup - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
Former Washington State University men’s basketball student-athletes, Klay Thompson, Aron Baynes, Brock Motum and Thomas Abercrombie are each representing their respective countries at the 2014 FIBA World Cup held in Spain.

Volleyball:

Volleyball Travels to Notre Dame for Tourney - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
The Washington State University volleyball team, 2-1 overall, travels to Notre Dame for the Notre Dame Golden Dome Invitational at Purcell Pavilion (9,149)