Washington State’s unbeaten home record put to the test today against Stanford

The Washington State men’s basketball team is struggling. At 8-9 overall and 1-3 in conference play, the Cougs seem to be on their way to another season at the bottom of the Pac-12. Thursday’s dominating win over the California Golden Bears was fun, but Cal is an absolute dumpster fire this season.

But I do have some good news: The Cougs are still undefeated at Beasley Coliseum, and the Stanford Cardinal come to Pullman today for a noon tip off to test that unbeaten record. You can watch the game on the Pac-12 Network.

Robert Franks’ return to the lineup was a big boost for the Cougs on Thursday. His 24 points led an otherwise balanced scoring attack, as four other players finished in double figures. WSU will need a similar performance today. The Cardinal come in with an identical 8-9 record overall and are 1-4 in conference play.

KenPom has Stanford at no. 135, while WSU is ranked no. 190. The Golden Bears are no. 247, for comparison’s sake.

Here’s something interesting: Stanford sells naming rights to its coaching positions. That means they don’t have a head coach. Rather, Stanford has an Anne and Tony Joseph Director of Men’s Basketball in Jerod Haase, and a James C Gaither Associate Head Coach of Men’s Basketball in Jeff Wulburn.

That got me thinking: Who should buy the naming rights to WSU’s head coaching position? Have fun with that one.

Basketball

WSU Looks to Remain Perfect at Beasley Against Stanford Saturday - Washington State University Athletics
The Cougars are 8-0 at Pullman this season and host the Cardinal at noon.

Washington State looking to double up against Bay Area schools when Stanford visits Saturday | The Spokesman-Review
Washington State no doubt cleared a major hurdle Thursday night, beating Cal by a healthy margin to snatch its first Pac-12 Conference win and put a six-game losing streak to rest. One down, 14 to go.

Hristova's 21 not Enough as Washington State Falls at Cal - Washington State University Athletics
A big fourth quarter run did in the Cougars on the road against the Golden Bears.

Football

Paul Newberry: Steve Gleason comes along for the New Orleans Saints’ playoff ride | The Spokesman-Review
As the New Orleans Saints go for another Super Bowl title, Steve Gleason is along for the ride – the perfect beacon for a city that knows about emerging from darkness

College Sports: 'It's mind-numbing': Mike Leach goes off on those who think college concepts don't translate to the NFL | SportsDay
Washington State University head coach Mike Leach joined The Ben and Skin Show on 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM) on Wednesday.

Cougars HC Mike Leach Talks Current Coaching Climate | FOX Sports Radio
Clay Travis talks with Washington State's always entertaining head coach Mike Leach.

Tennis

Cougars Sweep Past Montana - Washington State University Athletics
WSU improves to 4-0 on the young season.