One of the best seasons in Washington State basketball history ended on Saturday night. That’s not hyperbole. Washington State has made the NCAA Tournament just seven times in school history. Therefore, this is indeed one of the seven best seasons in the life of WSU hoops. Washington State has won an NCAA Tournament game in just five seasons, which makes this one of the five best seasons in the school’s existence.
Washington State was trying to make the Sweet 16 for just the second time in school history. The only previous time the Cougars played a Sweet 16 game was 2008. WSU was playing for history on Saturday against Iowa State, and after shutting out the Cyclones in the first four minutes of the game, the Cougars had reason to think they could win. They held ISU to just eight points in the first 12 minutes and led for nearly the entire first half. However, Iowa State — a No. 2 seed for a reason — tied the Cougars at halftime and then took control in the second half for a 67-56 win which knocked Wazzu out of the Big Dance.
The Pac-12 is down to two teams in the Men’s NCAA Tournament. Arizona is in the Sweet 16. Colorado plays Marquette in the second round. Washington State has a vested interest in seeing those teams win. Every win gives the Pac-12 more win units, which provide future revenue Washington State and Oregon State will collect.
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