> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Washington State Basketball Enters Critical Stretch Early in WCC Play - URL: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/washington-state-cougars-basketball-enters-critical-stretch-early-wcc-play/ - Published: 2025-12-30T18:49:16.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-08T06:16:36.000Z - Author: Jacob Stevenson - Tags: Analysis, Cougars \[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="6096"\] ![ Washington State Cougars forward Emmanuel Ugbo (0) shoots the ball against New Mexico Lobos guard Kevin Patton Jr. (0) in the second half at Friel Court at Beasley Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images ](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1d/f2/1df2f77b-83dd-4bc0-a6d2-6d1bb5df89a3/content/images/2026/10/usatsi_27423515-format-original.jpg) Washington State Cougars forward Emmanuel Ugbo (0) shoots the ball against New Mexico Lobos guard Kevin Patton Jr. (0) in the second half at Friel Court at Beasley Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images \[/caption\] After winning their WCC opener against the Portland Pilots on Sunday, the Washington State Cougars have a busy week ahead as they prepare to play three games against Seattle U, Loyola Marymount (LMU), and former - and future - Pac-12 rival Oregon State. Each opponent presents a different challenge, and this three-game stretch will be a good litmus test to see whether Washington State’s recent improved play continues after a slow start. ### Seattle U Redhawks **Record:** 11–3 **WCC Record:** 0–1 **KenPom Ranking:** 113 Seattle U has been one of the stronger defensive teams in the country this season, ranking 46th nationally according to KenPom. On the offensive end, however, the Redhawks have struggled, ranking 212th overall. Despite those offensive issues, Seattle U has proven it can compete with high-level opponents. They own two impressive wins over Power Four programs, defeating Stanford 77–69 and Washington 70–66 earlier this season. The Redhawks are coming off a disappointing 67–59 loss to San Francisco at home. Seattle U is led by Brayden Maldonado, who is averaging 15.8 points per game. Maldonado has had an outstanding shooting season, hitting 49% from the field, 41.4% from three-point range, and an impressive 98% from the free-throw line. He will be a primary focus for the Cougars’ defense. Other key contributors include Will Heimbrodt, who averages 13.8 points per game, and Gonzaga transfer Junseok Yeo, who adds 11.8 points per contest. Seattle U’s ability to defend at a high level could make this a low-scoring and physical matchup for Washington State. ### Loyola Marymount Lions **Record:** 9–5 **WCC Record:** 0–1 **KenPom Ranking:** 121 Like Seattle U, Loyola Marymount has relied heavily on defense this season. The Lions currently rank 67th nationally in defensive efficiency, while their offense ranks 206th. One of LMU’s biggest struggles offensively has been ball security. They turn the ball over on 18.3% of their possessions, ranking 228th in the country. Free-throw shooting has also been a major issue, as they are converting just 62.4% from the line, which ranks 352nd nationally. Defensively, LMU is particularly strong at defending shots inside the arc. Opponents shoot just 45% on two-point attempts against them, a mark that ranks 21st in the country. This interior defense could pose challenges for Washington State if the Cougars struggle to shoot from three-point range. The Lions are coming off a close 78–73 loss at home against Saint Mary’s that showed they can compete with the WCC’s best. Rodney Brown has been their leading scorer this season, averaging 15.1 points per game, and will be the primary offensive threat for LMU. ### Oregon State Beavers **Record:** 7–7 **WCC Record:** 0–1 **KenPom Ranking:** 190 Oregon State has endured a difficult season so far and enters the week struggling on both ends of the floor. The Beavers rank 179th offensively and 217th defensively, according to KenPom. They are coming off a lopsided 102–64 loss to Santa Clara and may be one of the weaker teams in the WCC at this point. Josiah Lake has been Oregon State’s most consistent player, leading the team in points (14.2), rebounds (4.9), and assists (3.8) per game. Slowing him down will be critical to Washington State’s success. Dez White is the only other Beavers player averaging double figures, however, scoring 11 points per game. If the Cougars can contain Lake and force other players to beat them, they should have a good chance to win this matchup. Overall, Washington State faces a week filled with beatable opponents, and yet, the Redhawks and Lions in particular could be difficult draws with their defensive play. With the Cougars’ improved defensive play in recent weeks in their own right, these three games should provide a clearer picture of where the team stands moving forward.