Washington State University Athletics - Official Athletics Site
A few things we noticed in Tucson that won't show up in a box score
A few things we noticed in Tucson that won't show up in a box score.
Arizona's McKale Center is loud. That's no surprise. But the Cougs handled it better than most visiting teams do. The crowd got into it early, and Washington State didn't flinch. There's a steadiness to this group that feels different from past years. It's not just about making shots, it's about not letting the moment get too big.
One thing that stood out: the way the bench stayed engaged. When a Wildcat made a run, the guys in warmups were up, calling out coverages, keeping heads in the game. That doesn't show up in the assists column, but it matters in a hostile gym. You could see the trust building.
Also worth noting: the defensive rotations were sharper than they've been. Arizona likes to swing the ball and find the open look. The Cougs closed gaps and contested without fouling. That's discipline. That's coaching.
Nobody is handing out trophies for composure in early conference play. But if you watched the whole thing, you saw a team that knows who it is. That's a good sign for the long haul.
Go Cougs.
