Happy Friday! At least, I hope it is.

In case you haven’t heard yet, tonight our Washington State Cougars rematch the University of Washington Huskies in Seattle.

The game tips off at 6 p.m. from Hec Ed Pavilion on Fox Sports 1.

I would also like to add that this might be the last basketball article from me, from my first season of writing here! I hope I’ve semi-convinced you all that I know even a little bit about basketball. I do not. But this has been a great learning opportunity for me! And if there’s one truth I hold above all else, it’s that often the most challenging of circumstances teach you the most. However, learning about basketball through #NerdBall has been nothing short of a joy and a half.

Back to business, it’s almost game time!

The last time we played UW, boy, it was glorious. If you don’t recall, I’m surprised, but to recap: it ended with a 79-67 victory! We love to see it. I would love a similar outcome for today’s game.

There are some things to consider about another Cougs vs Dawgs mashup that put a lot on the line for us. For example, CJ Elleby is from Seattle. We’ve seen various outcomes from players returning home, so this information paired with the last Cougar win in Seattle (which was in 2017, 79-74) makes me very excited for this game.

Elleby has made a big name for himself, so much so that he’s presented as a real threat. In fact, the UW student newspaper (The Daily) recently published an article reminding everyone that he is one to watch, and that a top priority should be making sure he gets stopped. In his hometown, of all places!

In my last article about the Huskies, I did another roast. And while I’m always up for Dragging some Dawgs, I wanted to go a different approach with this one.

Previously against UW, Elleby nabbed his career high 34 points.

We outnumbered them in rebounds.

We were the first and last points scored.

Today could look like anything, but we know some facts to be true. Such as:

Both teams are lower in the Pac-12 rankings, and seeing how this is only the beginning of the Kyle Smith era, there isn’t anywhere to go but up.

They average 69.9 points per game, while we average 69.3. However, we average higher in rebounds- which to me, means we’re capable at turning things back in our favor.

Unfortunately, they average 6.3 blocks per game, and the campaign from their newspaper only makes that more annoying.

Their top scorer (Isaiah Stewart, you’re familiar) averages 16.9 points per game, and ours (hi CJ!) averages 18.6. He does have a higher rebound average, with 8.5 per game. CJ has 7.7, which is still cool!

In summary, just because we beat them last time doesn’t mean we’ll beat them this time. Nothing is for sure. But one thing I’ve noticed most above all else, is our guys leave it all out there. We are a team to be proud of for the dedication they give to the game. The score doesn’t always reflect that, but we see you guys!

Can’t wait to watch tonight! Hug your loved ones. See you next week!

Links:

Fresno State announces future games with Huskies, Cougars, Jayhawks and more - CollegeFootballTalk | NBC Sports
Fresno State annoucned a number of new games to the future football schedule, including games against Washington, Washington State, BYU, and more.

WSU Cougars-UW Huskies: Game preview | Tacoma News Tribune
Washington State topped Washington in the first meeting between the two teams earlier this month. The Cougars and Huskies will meet for a rematch on Friday night at Alaska Airlines Arena.

Washington State Cougars wide receiver Dezmon Patmon runs an official 4.48 second 40-yard dash at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine [Video]
Washington State Cougar wide receiver Dezmon Patmon runs an official 4.48 second 40-yard dash at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine.

Washington State duo of Anthony Gordon, Dezmon Patmon grade out well at NFL Combine | The Spokesman-Review
Mike Leach spent years advertising Anthony Gordon’s snappy release before finally anointing him as Washington State’s starting quarterback last September.

A Grip on Sports: As Adam Morrison's No. 3 joins John Stockton's 12 in the McCarthey rafters, it's time to celebrate a trait that runs through their – and Gonzaga's – basketball DNA | The Spokesman-Review
A GRIP ON SPORTS • Adam Morrison’s No. 3 jersey rises to the McCarthey Athletic Center rafters tonight. It’s a deserved honor in so many ways.

2020 NFL Scouting Combine: Highlights from the quarterback, wide receiver, and tight end workouts - Big Blue View
Chris and Joe’s highlights from the first night of the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine

NFL Combine: Which wide receiver ran fastest on Thursday? - al.com