Cougs meet San Diego in Las Vegas Classic

Fresh off an 89-73 win over some team named Southern Illinois Edwardsville, the Washington State Cougars head to Las Vegas to take on the San Diego Toreros in the Las Vegas Classic. Depending on the outcome, the Cougs then might have a chance to play New Mexico State for the second time this season. You’ll recall the Aggies handed WSU a 69-63 loss back on Dec. 1 in Las Cruces.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First up is the San Diego, a 9-3 West Coast Conference team. Like WSU, San Diego is undefeated at home. But this game is at a neutral site, so throw out the records.

The Toreros are no. 78 in KenPom’s rankings, if that’s your thing. WSU is no. 160, right behind Pacific, another WCC school.

Isaiah Pineiro leads the way for San Diego, scoring 19.8 points a game. Olin Carter III and Isaiah Wright also average double figures with 16.2 and 12.3 points a game, respectively. Of course, Robert Franks and his 23.8 points per game is WSU’s go-to guy, and it’ll be interesting to see if Viont’e Daniels made the trip. He’s missed time with a concussion.

You can catch this one on FS1 at 7 p.m. PST, which means the Cougs have a national audience.

Basketball

WSU Opens Action in Las Vegas Against San Diego Saturday - Washington State University Athletics
The Cougars will then play either Drake or New Mexico State Sunday.

Gonzaga Prep’s Carter Sonneborn commits to Washington State basketball team | The Spokesman-Review
Another member of the reigning 4A state champion Gonzaga Prep basketball team has picked up a Division I basketball offer – and has committed to play at the next level.

Football

Washington State linebacker Peyton Pelluer accepts invite to NFLPA Collegiate Bowl | The Spokesman-Review
Peyton Pelluer will have one more opportunity to compete with other collegiate players in January when he takes part in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, designed for seniors hoping to play at the next level.

Easop Winston’s ‘outrageously big’ hands have been a major asset for Washington State this season | The Spokesman-Review
The Washington State wide receiver isn’t grumbling, but there are everyday obstacles that come with having hands as big as Easop Winston’s.

Alamo Bowl Odds: Iowa State vs. Washington State Betting Preview, Pick | Bleacher Report | Latest News, Videos and Highlights
Washington State is now a regular contender in the Pac -12 under coach Mike Leach, but the Cougars are only 1-3 both straight up and against the spread in bowls since his arrival.

WSU investigation finds Jason Gesser violated sexual harassment policy | The Spokesman-Review
Alyssa Bodeau didn’t know how her life would change after she decided to come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against former Washington State University quarterback Jason Gesser.

Nick Rolovich wanted to change Hawaii’s offense, and along the way he changed its identity – The Athletic
Rolovich needed a spark for his team, and he found it during two very different conversations with Mike Leach and Dan Hawkins.

Soccer

Shulenberger Signs Contract Extension - Washington State University Athletics
The Cougars' head soccer coach signed an extension through 2024.