Washington State Basketball GameDay Huddle: Cougars Meet Buffalo In the Cougar Hardwood Classic at Key Arena

Dec. 9, 2012; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars guard Dexter Kernich-Drew (34) puts up a three-pointer against Fresno State Bulldogs guard Kevin Olekaibe (3) during the first half at the Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been a week of football news here at ACU, but we’re certainly ready to get back to basketball and the Cougs lace it up again tonight. Washington State is 7-4 and coming off of a lackluster performance, albeit a win against Jackson State last week. Also, they have won 2 in a row after beating Fresno State previously.

The Buffalo Bulls, out of the MAC, also has back to back W’s but they are a very opposite 4-7 to this point in the season. Somewhat similarly to WSU, they have been in several close games with a chance to win at the end, but they haven’t been able to get over the mountain. Big Forward Javon McCrea (6’7″ 250) makes this team go, scoring over 16 per game while getting a 10 spot from teammate and fellow Forward Will Regan. Neither one really threatens to stretch the floor, but they are very efficient and Washington State has had some trouble this season of slowing down good players in those 3 and 4 positions.

I expect this game to be rather close throughout because Washington State hasn’t shown the ability to really route anyone and both teams are averaging right at 63 points per game. Remember also that 3 of Washington State’s 4 losses have come by 2 points, so this could be an opportunity for either of these teams to get over that hurdle in the final moments. Obviously, I believe that it’s more important for the Cougs to get a win going into conference season, but it’s not as if Buffalo couldn’t use it.

When it’s all said and done, Washington State really needs this game to both regain and continue the momentum through Idaho State, and going into a very winnable game against the Huskies to start the Pac-12 year. I would really like to see Dexter Kernich-Drew step up tonight with a double digit effort and a fully healthy and rejuvenated DaVonte Lacy be very aggressive to the rim and his pull-up. Should be fun to watch our Cougs fight in Key Arena once again, where they are a perfect 8-0 at this point during the Classic.

Go Cougs!