WSU men’s hoops opens season at home against Davidson
Coach David Riley’s brother teased him during a summer break from Washington State’s coaching grind.
David Riley begins his third Washington State season Monday, when the Cougars host Davidson at 6 p.m. WSU has only five nonconference games at home this season. The opening test comes after two years marked by poor ball security and defense: last season’s turnover rate ranked No. 292, and effective field goal percentage defense ranked No. 248.
The roster has been rebuilt with 14 newcomers for the first season of the rebuilt Pac-12. WSU is expected to lean on the group that helped beat Washington on the road in its final exhibition. Ronnie Harrison led that victory with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Lazerek Houston and Jamari Phillips each reached double figures. Ladji Dembele and Tyler Kropp are also likely starters, with their size potentially helping a team that has struggled on the boards for two seasons.
Davidson enters after being projected eighth among 14 Atlantic 10 teams. WSU’s win over Washington included 87 combined free throws, shooting below 40% by both teams and nine Cougar 3-pointers. Jaylen Harrell and Casey Jones supplied five of those shots from deep. Only Dominik Robinson and walk-on Dio Blakely return from last season, leaving transfers to handle most of the playing time. Other players to watch include RJ Jones, Mohamed Sankhe and Sebastian Akins, who missed both exhibitions with an injury.
- Tipoff is 6 p.m. Monday at WSU.
- WSU has five home nonconference games this season.
- The Cougars added 14 newcomers.
- Davidson was picked eighth in the 14-team Atlantic 10.
- Ronnie Harrison had 23 points and 11 rebounds against Washington.
Source: The Spokesman-Review ↗
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