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WSU vs. Arizona basketball: Cougs aim for major upset vs. Wildcats

Washington State (9-7, 1-3) finishes up their road-trip tonight against Arizona (14-3, 2-2), tipoff is at 6:30 p.m.

James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

2016 has not been kind to the Cougars. Turnovers (USC), missed free throws (UW), and poor offense (Arizona St.) has doomed Coach Kent's squad. Kent has started mixing up his line-ups in an effort to find the right recipe.

Tonight's match-up (6:30 p.m., Pacl-12 Networks) with No. 18 Arizona will be WSU's second-straight road game. The Wildcats have dominated the Cougars in recent memory, defeating Wazzu in eight-consecutive games. With home games against Utah (12-5) and Colorado (13-4) around the corner, the Cougars really need some momentum.

The Cougars have not beaten a ranked team on the road since 2008-2009, when they secured a victory over UCLA.

So what can the Cougs do to keep up with the Wildcats at the McKale Center?

Let Ike Iroegbu loose. While many of the players on the team have struggled offensively, Iroegbu has been playing great, shooting over 60% and scoring 18 and 24 points his last two times on the court.

Allow Josh Hawkinson to do his thing. The guy is fantastic, he is has recorded eleven straight double-doubles. Most importantly, the rest of the guys on the court need to take high percentage shots and convert free-throws.

If the Cougars can get in some sort of rhythm early, get frequent stops at the defensive end of the court, and limit turnovers the game will be competitive. (Yes, I know that is a lot to ask. But Go Cougs.)

Men's Basketball

Cougars Face Ranked-Arizona in the Desert - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
WSU takes on No. 18/16 Arizona Saturday at 6:30 p.m. PT/7:30 p.m. MT.

Washington State Cougars vs. Arizona Wildcats Preview - CBSSports.com
Two days after dismantling the Evergreen State team that had shown encouraging results through the start of Pac-12 play, Arizona now faces that school's in-state neighbor, which finds itself at the bottom of the league.

Women's Basketball

WSU women beat No. 25 USC | The Seattle Times
Borislava Hristova had 13 of her 21 points in the second half and Washington State beat No. 25 USC 73-61 on Friday night.

Cougars Clinch Victory over No. 25 USC - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
Three Cougars scored in double figures, led by freshman Borislava Hristova with 21 points.

Football

Season grades: Washington State - Pac-12 Blog- ESPN
After a tough opening loss, WSU pulled off wins against top teams and showed a resiliency and talent that should mean a bright future.