WSU Basketball win first March Madness game in 16 years

PULLMAN — After 16 years of waiting, the Washington State University (WSU) Men’s Basketball team qualified for the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament.

WSU entered the tournament as the number seven seed for the East region.

They played their opening round game in Omaha, NE, against the number 10 seed Drake Bulldogs.

The game was played on Thursday, March 21.

WSU led 33-29 at halftime before winning the second half 33-32 to defeat the Bulldogs, 66-61.

Jaylen Wells finished with 17 points, nine rebounds, and three assists for WSU in the game.

Wells is an exceptional three-point shooter for WSU, who has come alive in the second half of the season, undoubtedly the key to all of the successes the team has had as of late.

Isaac Jones finished with a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds.

The Bulldogs did not have a answer for Jones inside all game long. Jones was getting to his spots, and produced quality shots to propel WSU to victory.

With the win, WSU advanced to the round of 32 game, this time against the number two East seeded Iowa State Cyclones. The game was played again in Omaha, which took place on Saturday, March 23.

Iowa State started the game cold, allowing WSU to jump to a 7-0 lead early. Unfortunately for WSU, Iowa State are one of the best defensive teams in the country, especially when pressing and playing half-court defense.

The offense for the Cyclones eventually caught up, and their stellar defense inside proved too much for WSU, who fell 56-67, ending their season.

Wells finished with 20 points and four rebounds. He had 16 points in the first half.

The other double-digit scorer in the game was freshman guard Myles Rice, who scored 13 points and had one rebound.

Jones would finish with eight points and nine rebounds.

With the round of 32 exit for WSU, all eyes turned to the off-season, where fans are hopeful WSU will retain their coach, as well as their players.

Unfortunately, Monday, March 25, was a day WSU basketball fans will want to forget.

Head Coach Kyle Smith announced his decision to leave WSU after five winning season, including two NIT tournament and one March Madness appearance.

Smith joins the Stanford Cardinal coaching staff, who will play basketball in the ACC next season, a conference where Stanford will compete agains the likes of Duke, North Carolina, North Carolina State, and Virginia.

Also, guard Dylan Darling announced his entry into the transfer portal.