The Washington State Cougars entered the final week of the 2025‑26 season holding a 15‑point lead over Loyola Marymount, only to lose 67‑66, followed by an 83‑67 defeat by Saint Mary’s, leaving their postseason prospects in doubt as the WIAA tournament brackets approach. The loss dropped them to a 4‑2 conference record and jeopardized their seeding for the upcoming state tournament.
LMU Upset: How a 15‑Point Lead Disappeared
Washington State started strong, building a 39‑24 advantage at halftime thanks to senior guard Jared Frye and sophomore forward KJ Glover, who combined for 22 first‑half points while the defense limited the Lions to eight field goals. The early surge suggested a potential road win that could have bolstered the Cougars’ non‑conference résumé.
In the second half, Loyola Marymount’s Myron Amey Jr. erupted for 17 of his 21 points, delivering aggressive drives, a flurry of three‑pointers, and a clutch free‑throw stretch that turned a 12‑point deficit into a one‑point lead with 2:15 left. Washington State managed only 27 points after halftime and committed four turnovers that directly led to LMU scoring opportunities.
The final possession saw senior guard Mason Wright miss a contested three‑point attempt that would have forced overtime, allowing the Lions to secure a 67‑66 victory and snap the Cougars’ 15‑point first‑half lead, leaving WSU with a 4‑2 conference record.
Saint Mary’s Dominance Over WSU
Four days earlier, the Cougars fell 83‑67 to Saint Mary’s in the West Coast Conference showdown. Senior guard Joshua Dent poured in 22 points and recorded three steals, leading a balanced attack that saw Saint Mary’s shoot 48 % from the field. Washington State’s Paulius Murauskas contributed a career‑high 19 points, but the Cougars struggled to contain Dent’s penetration and the Gaels’ secondary scorers, who combined for 41 points.
The loss highlighted recurring issues: a lack of second‑half composure, defensive lapses on perimeter shooters, and an overreliance on early‑game momentum. The pattern mirrored the LMU defeat, underscoring a promising start unraveled by a faltering finish.
Statistical Breakdown
- First‑Half Edge: WSU outscored LMU 39‑24, shooting 55 % from the field.
- Second‑Half Collapse: WSU managed only 27 points on 38 % shooting, while LMU posted 43 points on 57 % shooting.
- Turnover Trouble: Washington State committed eight turnovers in the second half, three of which directly resulted in LMU points.
- Key Performers: Myron Amey Jr. (21 points, 4‑0 from three) and Joshua Dent (22 points, 5‑2 from three).
The statistical disparity between halves points to a fatigue factor and a defensive breakdown in transition. The Cougars’ inability to adjust defensively against a hot‑handed Amey proved costly, while Saint Mary’s exploited the same weakness earlier in the week.
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Season Implications and Tournament Outlook
Washington State sits on the cusp of postseason eligibility. A win against LMU would have solidified a second‑place finish in the WCC and potentially improved their seeding for the WIAA state tournament. Instead, back‑to‑back losses have the Cougars hovering near the bubble.
The WIAA released the brackets for the 2026 state basketball tournaments, revealing that seven Washington Interscholastic League teams have secured top seeds, while the remaining slots will be filled based on conference records and RPI rankings. For the Cougars, a strong finish could still earn a mid‑tier seed, but the margin for error has narrowed.
Head coach Kyle Smith emphasized the need for “mental toughness” in the locker room, noting that the team must learn to finish strong after strong starts.
Coaching Adjustments & Player Development
From a practitioner’s standpoint, the recent performances illustrate a classic case of in‑game adaptation lag. Sports performance analyst Dr. Melissa Hernandez, who works with the WSU athletic department, points to a decline in shooting efficiency after halftime paired with a spike in turnover rate, suggesting fatigue and decision‑making fatigue.
She recommends implementing a more aggressive rotation—especially bringing in fresh legs for defensive sets—to mitigate the drop‑off. Situational drills that simulate high‑pressure, low‑margin scenarios would help players like Frye and Glover maintain composure when a lead evaporates.
Hernandez also notes that transition defense needs tightening: “When the ball changes possession, the first three seconds are crucial. The Lions capitalized on slow transition, allowing Amey to get his first look. A more disciplined closeout can reduce those easy baskets.”
Looking Ahead: Final Games
The Cougars have two regular‑season games remaining before the WCC tournament: a home clash against San Diego State and an away game at Pacific. Both contests present opportunities to fine‑tune late‑game execution that has been lacking.
If Washington State can address the second‑half slump, reinforce defensive rotations, and preserve shooting efficiency, they could still secure a respectable seed in the WIAA tournament. Continued lapses could see them relegated to the lower tier of the bracket, facing a tougher path to advance.
