![\"Oregon](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/oregonstate_200x200.png\")
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Next Game:<\/p>\n
Oregon State<\/p>\n
1\/4\/2026 | 4:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
\n ESPN+
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\n Jan. 04 (Sun) \/ 4:30 p.m.
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\n \u00a0Oregon State
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History <\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n PULLMAN, Wash. \u2013 The Washington State men’s basketball team (7-9, 2-1) defeated the visiting Loyola Marymount Lions (LMU), 78-76, in the first West Coast Conference home game, Friday night, at Beasley Coliseum. The Cougars overcame a 14-point first-half deficit and rallied in the final minute after trailing in the final 30 seconds of the game.
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\nFour Cougars scored in double figures, led by junior Rihards Vavers<\/a> scoring 17 points with a career-high five made 3-point field goals. True freshman Ace Glass<\/a> finished with 16 points, including the game-winning floater, banked off the glass for the lead with 10 seconds remaining. Glass earned the foul and converted at the free throw line to give WSU a 2-point lead it defended to the final buzzer.
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\nEarly in the contest, LMU built a 14-point lead, starting the game on a 15-2 run, until Vavers checked into the contest and buried his first triple. The Cougars went on an 11-0 scoring run, pulling within four points midway through the first half. WSU closed the half on another 11-0 run and Vavers made four first-half 3-pointers, leading all scorers with 12 points.
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\nEntering the second half, the Cougars expanded their lead to 10 points with 13 minutes remaining. WSU’s hot shooting continued, finishing with 10 made 3-pointers and 51% field goal shooting. ND Okafor<\/a> found room in the key as the Lions tried to defend the 3-point line, delivering 14 points, including 10 second half points and team-high nine rebounds. Okafor recorded four blocked shots, his 11th-consecutive game with a rejection.
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\nWSU’s Jerone Morton<\/a> proved a steady presence for the Cougs, scoring a season-high 15 points, including 4-of-4 from the free throw line. Morton also matched his career-high with three 3-pointers.
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\nWashington State will travel north to host Oregon State, Sunday, January 4, at Numerica Veterans Arena in Spokane, Washington. The Cougars host the Beavers at Veterans Arena for a fourth time in the programs’ history. Last season, WSU defeated LMU at Spokane Arena, Dec. 30.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Story Links
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