The Washington State Cougars improved to 8-2 with a 74-69 win over the Boise State Broncos on Saturday. This game was a neutral site contest at Idaho Central Arena and improved to 3-2 on neutral sites this season.

Forward LeJuan Watts recorded his fourth double-double of the season. The transfer from Eastern Washington scored 20 points and recorded 11 rebounds in the win, continuing to pick up the production the Cougars are missing due to Cedric Coward’s injury. Watts led the Cougs in points, rebounds and assists on the day and sank several crucial free throws in the final minutes to secure the victory.

Isaiah Watts also set a career-high with seven rebounds and ND Okafor tied a career-high with three blocks in the win.

At halftime, WSU held a 44-24 lead over the Broncos, but managed just enough late stops to secure the five-point win. WSU increased its shooting percentage from 55.8% in the first half to 43.48% in the second half.

The Cougs also held Boise State to a 37.9% field goal percentage on the night.

“I thought we had some guys step up and make dynamic plays,” head coach David Riley said after the game. “Obviously we didn’t do what we needed to do to keep the lead, we have to work on that. The exciting thing for me, honestly, is that we’re winning these big games and we have so much more to come. “There’s still more we need to work on, but it was great that we got that cushion.

WSU has a week until its next contest, hosting Missouri State on Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. PT.

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