Overview
- The Pirates opened with a 15-2 burst and used full-court pressure to take control, turning the Cougars over 15 times.
- Washington State trimmed the deficit to 13 late but could not close, settling for fourth place in its first Maui appearance and a 3-5 record.
- Ri Vavers scored 17 points and freshman Ace Glass added 15 for WSU, capping a three-game stretch that included his 40-point program record for a true freshman in the semifinal.
- Seton Hall’s week featured a ranked win over NC State and a one-possession semifinal loss to USC that left the Pirates lamenting a large free-throw and foul disparity.
- Defensive lapses have dogged WSU in Maui, including allowing Arizona State to shoot 58.9% in a 100-94 defeat, reinforcing the emphasis on ball security and stops heading into next week.