MBK Final: Cougs 69, Portland St. 60 (Story + Box Score + Highlights + Postgame)

[ScottHood]

Cougs are 5-0.

Story: https://washingtonstate.rivals.com/news/mbk-cougs-stay-unbeaten-with-win-over-portland-st-

Box Score: https://wsucougars.com/boxscore.aspx?path=mbball&id=13217

Highlights:

Postgame Interview:

 

[Glad Cougar]

Yet another grinder of a game. But without upper classmen Miller, Kunc....and with DJ getting hurt early and Bonton missing large portions of the game due to foul trouble...the young team was able to pull it out. Williams is really turning into a consistenly good player. Good game for TJ Bamba and Jakimovski had 12 pts/7 rebounds. Hopefully, the team will keep improving and be ready to compete when conference games resume in January.

Glad Cougar

 

[SaveFerris]

Williams is our most consistent player right now. Still makes some bad decisions but the good shooting appears to be a trend.

Pretty happy with what I saw from Jakimovski and Bamba. They are young but you can see the potential.

Vova' gets in trouble due to quickness but he continue to improve the more minutes he sees the floor. The Pac 12's a different level but good to see.

Rapp is still struggling shooting but I liked his minutes. Need to see more from Warren.

I noticed Rosario was suited up. Hope we see him and Jackson over the next couple of games. Need a blowout to get some extended minutes for the young guys.

Miller and Kunc can't get back soon enough. Bonton probably had his best game although his 3rd foul was really bad. Gotta' get that out of his game.

 

[Brent H.]

I feel like that was one of more complete games so far. Not many turnovers, Bonton played within himself, Bamba came out of nowhere to help with the scoring, Williams is turning into a star, defense was solid. Hit your free throws and it’s a double digit win. The one thing you can count on is we’ll play defense. We’re like 75th in adjusted defense and 250 in adjusted offense.

 

[roses04]

Speaking of hitting free throws, what is the problem this year? Free throw shooting is not good, about 67% from the line, It has to get better to win games in conference. Many of these games wouldn't have been this close if they just hit FT.

 

[Glad Cougar]

Very true. Surprisingly, Bonton is struggling at the line. He was very good at hitting his FTs last year. Hopefully he works out the kinks, especially since he gets to the line more than anyone else. Not having Kunc out there has an impact. He's perhaps our best FT shooter.

ps....after the first game, Noah has been really good, too....making 14-15.

Glad Cougar

 

[Rich Lewis]

Noticed Miller in a boot and resting it on a scooter to get around.

 

[7ICoug]

Not a good sign, Rich, did you get the email?

 

[Rich Lewis]

Yes, thanks.