In a game that amounted to little more than an exhibition that counts in the overall standings, the WSU Cougars defeated Division II Cal State LA 74-57 to move to 3-0 on the season.

WSU used a pair of 8-0 runs in the first half to take a 19-10 lead just eight minutes into the game, and that was pretty much that. The Cougars led by eight at the half, and a 21-3 run early in the second half that put WSU up 60-33 erased any doubt that the Golden Eagles could potentially pull the upset.

Conor Clifford led the way with 18 points and 5 rebounds, while Que Johnson had 15 points and Ike Iroegbu had 10 points and 7 rebounds.

Three Takeaways

Conor Clifford is rounding into form. Josh Hawkinson sat out the game with a mild groin injury, which gave Clifford plenty of time to play. He didn't disappoint, dominating an overmatched front line exactly as you'd hope him to, making 7-of-9 shots and 4-of-4 free throws.

I hope Renard Suggs can shoot free throws. He had seven attempts tonight after having just two in the previous two games. He made just three of them, and didn't look particularly good shooting them. He's now 4-of-8 from the stripe. WSU will need better.

Charles Callison started at the point. So that was interesting. Also, when he came off the floor, he wasn't replaced by Ny Redding -- initially, Iroegbu moved over to the point. Redding did play 17 minutes, but he's clearly No. 3 in the ball handling pecking order.

WSU has one more tune-up this Saturday against Texas Southern before playing its first big game of the year next Wednesday when Gonzaga comes to Pullman.