Charlisse Leger-Walker leads WSU over Utah

New year, same WSU women’s basketball team.

Two-time Pac-12 Freshman of the Week Charlisse Leger-Walker scored 23 points, including five three-pointers, and the Cougs had four players in double figures as they improved to 5-1 with a 79-74 win over the Utah Utes. Something tells me this version of WSU women’s basketball is special. WSU’s only blemish this season is a heartbreaking loss to the Oregon Ducks.

Ula Motuga and Bella Murekatete each scored 16 points and Krystal Leger-Walker chipped in 12 of her own to keep up with her sister. WSU was an even 50% from the field and hit nine from beyond the arc. Both marks are season highs.

On the other end of the court, WSU forced 18 Utah turnovers. That sure helps.

After the teams ended the first quarter in a 20-20 tie, WSU took a six-point lead into halftime and extended that lead to 12 after three quarters. Utah won the fourth quarter with a classic football score of 24-17 but there’s a reason they play four quarters, as WSU got its first win over Utah in seven tries.

WSU has a 5-1 record with wins over ranked Oregon State and a close loss to top-10 Oregon. The four leading scorers tonight are a freshman, a junior, a sophomore and a redshirt senior. That’s three underclassmen, including one who is already Pac-12 Freshman of the Week twice.

The future is bright, my friends. Follow along.

Links

Cougs Outrun Utes in Utah to Improve to 5-1 - Washington State University Athletics
SALT LAKE CITY – The Washington State women's basketball team turned in a season-best offensive performance against the Utah Utes Friday, Jan. 1, as the Cougars

New Year, New Challenge as WSU Hosts Arizona Saturday - Washington State University Athletics
The Cougs are back in action after posting a perfect 2020 half to the season.