PORTLAND, Ore. — Ethan Price delivered an impressive performance with 22 points, leading Washington State to a solid victory over Portland with a score of 89-73 on Saturday evening.

Price’s contributions didn’t stop at scoring; he also secured seven rebounds and dished out five assists, showcasing his all-around game for the Cougars, who now hold a record of 11-3 and opened their West Coast Conference play at 1-0. Nate Calmese also played a key role, contributing 18 points, hitting 8 out of 14 shots from the floor, including 2 of 3 from beyond the arc, alongside seven rebounds and five assists. LeJuan Watts made an impressive mark as well, scoring 14 points on 4 of 8 shooting, with all of his three-point attempts successful, and went 3 for 4 from the free-throw line.

For the Pilots, Max Mackinnon led with 22 points in their attempt to keep pace, while A. Rapp added 17 points along with six rebounds, four assists, and three blocks, providing a well-rounded performance. Mikah Ballew chipped in with nine points to contribute to the team’s efforts.

Washington State established control of the game early, gaining the lead just over a minute into the first half and maintaining it throughout. Price’s first-half scoring of 14 points propelled his team to a commanding 51-30 halftime lead. The Cougars continued to dominate, pushing their advantage to 68-40 during the second half, fueled by a remarkable 15-0 scoring streak. Watts took charge after halftime, leading his team with 11 points as Washington State secured the win comfortably, wrapping up the contest with determination.