WSU Cougars Outlast Colorado in Overtime 91-89
By Ben Renner
The WSU Cougars defeated the Colorado Buffaloes in Pullman 91-89 in overtime despite blowing a ten-point lead to improve to 3-4 in Pac-12 play.
The WSU Cougars shot 64 percent from the floor, including 50 percent (13-26) from three point range, their highest percentage since blazing the Montana Grizzlies with 68 percent shooting earlier this year. Charles Callison scored a career-high 30 points in the win, which improved the WSU Cougars’ overall record to 10-9 and the Pac-12 record to 3-4. The lowly Buffaloes dropped to 0-7 in Pac-12 play. Maybe they’ve become last year’s Cougars.
With 3:26 left in the game, Callison sank a midrange jumper to put the WSU Cougars up 79-69, but the Buffaloes, who looked like the Huskies throughout much of the game, ratcheted up the defensive pressure and started attacking the basket. The Cougs’ defense, which had held up all game to this point, surrendered a series of and-ones that let Colorado back in the game.
It all could have ended in regulation, however, when Ike Iroegbu, a 70 percent free throw shooter, stepped to the line for a one-and-one. He missed the front end. Colorado’s leading scorer Derrick White once again attacked the basket, got fouled, and made both free throws, tying the game at the end of regulation.
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Much to their credit, Ernie Kent’s team didn’t let their shell-shock keep them from finishing the game. Iroegbu drove the length of the court off a steal with less than twenty seconds for a lay-up and the deciding two points.
The WSU Cougars came into the game with the lowest three-point shooting percentage in the Pac-12 but decided to put the ball in the hoop in this game in front of their smattering of fans. Seriously, what else is so awesome in Pullman that is keeping people away from these games?
Callison, in addition to his 30 points, added five steals in a excellent performance. Iroegbu scored 20 points, including the game-winner, collected eight rebounds, dished four assists, and two steals.
The Cougars face the seventh-ranked Arizona Wildcats in the desert on Thursday at 7:30.