WSU was a formidable foe last season despite ending up in a tie for eighth place in the Pacific-12 Conference with 21-15, 7-11 Oregon State. The Cougs shot a blistering 46.3 percent to help them to play 22-17, 5-13 Pittsburgh for the CBI Championship which the Panthers won in a decisive three games.

At Washington State the Cougars were 12-4 a year ago winning six times by 20 or more points. One of those WSU wins in Pullman came on Dec. 3 swatting EWU away 75-49 with stifling defense. The Cougs held the Eagles to 25.4 percent.

Washington State's senior forward Brock Motum and sophomore guard Dexter Kernich-Drew had double figures while sophomore guard DaVonte Lacy was held to eight points on 0-for-6 shooting.

Eastern Washington was led by senior forward Collin Chiverton's 12. The Eagles have to replace four other starters. EWU just went 6-13 on the road last season losing eight times by single digits.

The Eagles were blown out by the Cougars in an away contest, but battled better at 24-10, 13-5 Oregon and No. 13 UCLA falling by eight and 13 points. WSU will see a more difficult game this time around from Eastern Washington so I'll take the points on the underdog.