Washington State Cougars Suffer Another Late-Game Collapse Against LMU

The Washington State Cougars faced a familiar scenario on Wednesday, suffering a 67-66 defeat to Loyola Marymount University (LMU) after leading by as many as 15 points at halftime. This loss marks yet another instance in which the Cougars have squandered a significant lead, continuing a troubling trend observed throughout the season. Despite a strong first half, where the Cougars led 39-24, they faltered in the second half, scoring only 27 points and allowing LMU to mount a comeback.

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The turning point of the game occurred with less than three minutes remaining when Washington State held a four-point lead. After forcing a missed shot, the Cougars failed to secure the rebound, allowing LMU's Rick Issanza to tap the ball out, leading to a crucial three-pointer that narrowed the gap. This moment revitalized LMU, who subsequently took the lead and ultimately secured the victory.

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Washington State's offensive performance in the second half was notably poor, particularly in their three-point shooting. The Cougars, who typically rely heavily on the three-point shot for scoring—accounting for 37.1% of their points—attempted only 14 three-pointers in their last two second halves, making just two. This decline in offensive production was compounded by 17 turnovers, which resulted in 22 points for LMU. The Cougars' inability to maintain their offensive rhythm, especially against a team that does not defend the three-point line effectively, raises concerns about their late-game execution.

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In addition to the turnovers, Washington State's struggles were evident in their shooting efficiency. The team has consistently failed to close out games on the road, a pattern that has persisted throughout the season. The Cougars remain at No. 130 in the KenPom rankings, reflecting their ongoing difficulties in securing victories away from Beasley Coliseum.

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Following the game, the sentiment among analysts and fans echoed a sense of frustration. The Cougars were expected to perform better, especially given their previous leads in similar situations. The loss to LMU was viewed as another missed opportunity, reinforcing the narrative that Washington State struggles to maintain composure in critical moments.

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Looking ahead, Washington State is scheduled to play against Pepperdine on Saturday. This matchup is seen as a potentially winnable game, but the Cougars' recent history suggests that they cannot take any opponent lightly. The outcome of this game will be crucial as they aim to break their pattern of late-game collapses and secure a much-needed victory.

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