After snapping a four-game losing streak with a much-needed win over WCC-worst Pepperdine, the Cougs look to carry that momentum into their final nine regular-season games. Currently sitting at 9–13, the final third of the season will define how this year is remembered. Up to this point, there hasn’t been much to get excited about—outside of a 40-point performance from Ace Glass in a close loss to Arizona State in Maui and an impressive second-half rally on the road against a very tough Saint Mary’s team. Those moments represent the few high points of an underwhelming season.
Here’s what the rest of the schedule looks like, with predictions:
vs. Seattle U (14–8) – Win
The Redhawks beat the Cougs handily a couple of weeks ago in Seattle (69–55); however, the Cougs shot just 30% from the floor, 15% from three, and 57% from the free-throw line in a game where they won the rebounding margin 54–28. I expect the shooting to improve, allowing the Cougs to even the season series.
vs. Portland (10–12) – Win
The Cougs’ lone WCC road win this year came against the Pilots in one of the few close games they were able to pull out. The Cougs have been a better offensive team at home and should be able to take care of business in Beasley.
@ Oregon State (10–12) – Win
The Cougs beat the Beavers 81–67 earlier this season in Pullman and will look to do it again in Corvallis. Oregon State has had a season to forget, and it wouldn’t be surprising if this marks the end of the Wayne Tinkle era. With three losses of 30+ points already in WCC play, the Cougs have a great opportunity to push the win streak to four games and get within a game of .500.
vs. Santa Clara (17–5) – Loss
Santa Clara looks every bit like a team that will be playing deep into March and could win a game or two in the tournament. With this one in Pullman, maybe it becomes a signature win for David Riley—but the Cougs’ porous defense and proclivity for turning the ball over make beating good teams difficult.
@ Gonzaga (21–1) – Loss
Gonzaga appears destined for another No. 1 seed in March Madness. Outside of a blowout loss to Michigan, the Zags have been as good as any team in the country. The Cougs were able to keep things competitive in the first half in Pullman, but that was largely due to unsustainably hot three-point shooting.
vs. Pacific (14–8) – Win
Pacific swept the Cougs last season and has an even better roster this year. I expect everyone in the program who experienced those losses to be fired up and well-prepared. This feels like a home win the Cougs find a way to grind out.
vs. Saint Mary’s (19–3) – Toss-Up
The confidence the Cougs played with on the road against the Gaels, combined with how tough they played them last year, tells me this is a winnable game—regardless of records or the betting line. The Cougs are simply a better team at home, and this could be a legitimate signature win for David Riley.
@ Loyola Marymount (11–11) – Win
The Cougs squeaked by LMU at home in a game they probably should have lost. After stringing together some wins, this feels like a spot where they grab a rare road victory.
@ Pepperdine (6–16) – Win
With all due respect to the Waves, this is a team the Cougs should not lose to based purely on talent. That doesn’t guarantee a win—but it’s a game they should handle.
Closing Thoughts:
None of these predictions are far-fetched. If things play out this way, the Cougs finish either 16–15 or 15–16 heading into the WCC Tournament. This season hasn’t been great, but getting back to around .500 with some momentum would go a long way toward improving confidence in David Riley’s ability to lead this program moving forward.
If the Cougs stumble down the stretch and drop five or more of these games, the noise calling for Riley’s head will grow louder—and it would be justified. Here’s hoping for a strong finish to an otherwise forgettable season.
Go Cougs.