Preview: Breaking Down Washington State Men’s Basketball Non-Conference Schedule, Part 1

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Washington State Cougars forward Emmanuel Ugbo (0) fights for position against New Mexico Lobos forward Milos Vicentic (31) in the second half at Friel Court at Beasley Coliseum. Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images [/caption]

Basketball season is just around the corner, with Washington State kicking off their schedule on November 3, ushering in the second season of the David Riley era and the Cougars’ second year in WCC play. WSU will look to build on a 19-15 season where they went 8-10 in conference action.

With only five returners, there are plenty of new faces for the Cougs. Here’s an in-depth look at the Cougars’ first half of the non-conference schedule with game predictions:

Monday, November 3 — vs. Idaho

The season kicks off with the Battle of the Palouse, as the Cougars host Idaho. The Vandals went 14-19 last year and 8-10 in Big Sky play, marking their highest win totals overall and in conference since the 2017–2018 season.

This year’s Idaho team is looking to take another step forward. Projected to be the No. 244 team on KenPom, that’s an improvement from 281st and 321st the two years prior. Idaho returns nine players, including their top two scorers Kristan Gonzalez and Kolton Mitchell. Jack Payne, an All-Big Sky Honorable Mention last season, returns as well after leading the team in rebounds and averaging 10.8 points per game.

Game Prediction: Cougs win 78–64

With it being the first game of the season, you can expect some kinks to work out. This should be the best Idaho team in years, and with nine returners, they already have a solid understanding of coach Alex Pringle’s system and their roles. Expect the Cougars to pull away late, however.

WSU Record: 1-0

Friday, November 7 — at Davidson

The Cougs travel across the country to take on the Davidson Wildcats. Davidson has struggled the past couple of years since Bob McKillop retired. His son, Matt McKillop, has led the program for the past three years with a combined record of 48-49, including 17-15 last season.

Atlantic 10 play has also been a challenge, as the Wildcats have gone 19-35 in the past three seasons. Known as the school that Steph Curry attended, they haven’t shot the ball well from three lately — ranking 323rd and 161st nationally in the past two years. Sam Brown, a transfer from Penn, and Josh Scovens, a transfer from Army, figure to be two of the best players for Davidson this year.

Game Prediction: Cougs lose 72–66

The cross-country trip will be difficult, and Davidson still has some talent. Expect the Cougs to lose a close one.

WSU Record: 1–1

Monday, November 10 — vs. St. Thomas (MN)

The Cougs host the St. Thomas Tommies in their fifth year of Division I basketball. The Tommies are coming off a 24-10 season, including 12-4 in conference play. Each year at the Division I level, St. Thomas has improved its win total.

They’ve been a very efficient shooting team, ranking in the top 32 nationally in effective field goal percentage the past two seasons. In 2024–25, they ranked fourth in effective field goal percentage and twelfth in three-point percentage. Expect Nolan Minessale to be one to watch in this matchup.

Game Prediction: Cougs win 80–73

St. Thomas is a skilled and well-coached team that runs a sharp offense, but Washington State will have the athleticism advantage, which should make the difference.

WSU Record: 2–1

Friday, November 14 — vs. Washington

The Cougs take on the Huskies in the basketball version of the Apple Cup. Washington is in its second year in the Big Ten and the second season under Danny Sprinkle. Last year, the Huskies finished 13-18 overall and 4-16 in conference play, last in the Big Ten.

They’ve nearly rebuilt their entire roster, keeping only Zoom Diallo and Franck Kepnang from last year. They’ve added guards Desmond Claude and Wesley Yates III from USC, as well as highly touted freshmen Hannes Steinbach and JJ Mandaquit. This is a talented group, but the question is whether they can put it all together.

Game Prediction: Cougs win 76–72

Rivalry games are always tough. The Huskies have more new faces than the Cougs, and even with a slight talent disparity, Washington State pulls out a close one.

WSU Record: 3–1

Tuesday, November 19 — vs. Southern Utah

Washington State hosts Southern Utah, who come to Pullman from the WAC. Coach Rob Jeter is entering his third year, but the Thunderbirds have struggled, going 22-40 overall and 9-27 in conference during his tenure.

This year’s team is projected to struggle again, ranking 269th on KenPom, the sixth-lowest in their league. One bright spot is Isaiah Cottrell, a former top-100 recruit who transferred from UNLV after starting his career at West Virginia. He should be an impact player for the Thunderbirds.

Game Prediction: Cougs win 84–66

This is a tune-up before Maui. Expect the Cougs to win comfortably.

WSU Record: 4–1

Sunday, November 24 — vs. Chaminade (Maui Invitational)

The Cougs head to the Maui Invitational, opening against Chaminade, a program synonymous with the tournament. Last year, the Silverswords went 16-11 and 10-10 in conference play.

Chaminade participated in every Maui Invitational from 1984–2017, but since 2019 has played only in odd years. They are 8-96 all-time in the tournament and haven’t won a game there since 2017.

Game Prediction: Cougs win 104–82

The Cougs have an obvious talent advantage and should win with ease, but playing in a small gym and new environment means they can’t afford a slow start.

WSU Record: 5–1

Monday, November 25th — vs. Arizona State or Texas

Assuming the Cougs beat Chaminade, they’ll face either Arizona State or Texas.

Texas is in its second year in the SEC and first under coach Sean Miller, formerly of Arizona and Xavier. The Longhorns were picked ninth out of 16 teams in the SEC preseason poll. They feature Jordan Pope (ex-Oregon State guard), Dailyn Swain (transferred from Xavier), and Tramon Mack (formerly of Houston and Arkansas).

Arizona State, under Bobby Hurley, enters its first season in the Big 12 after consecutive sub-.500 seasons and just one NCAA appearance in the past six years. Picked last in the Big 12 preseason poll, the Sun Devils are led by Moe Odum (Pepperdine transfer, 13.1 PPG, 7.5 APG) and Marcus Adams Jr. (transferred from Cal State Northridge, 16.1 PPG).

Game Prediction: Cougs lose to Longhorns 82–68

Texas will likely get past Arizona State to meet the Cougs. Washington State will hang in early, but Texas’ depth and talent will allow them to pull away late.

WSU Record: 6–2