Washington State finishes No. Arizona ends its home winning streak of 5

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Mouhamed Gueye had 24 points and 14 rebounds, and Washington State ended No. 5 Arizona won its 28-game home win streak on Saturday with a 74-61 win.

The Cougars (7-10; 2-4 Pac-12), shut down Arizona’s once-potent offensive, creating a rare, subdued atmosphere in McKale Centre. Washington State took an 18 point lead in the second half. They held off Arizona’s late run, shooting 12 of 28 from 3-point range. This ended the third-longest active winning streak in the country.

The Wildcats went 2-2, 14-2. They shot 32% and 4 of 25 from the 3-point line. Arizona’s second-lowest number of halftime points (27) was recorded under Tommy Lloyd. The Cougars had a late 12-2 run that cut their lead to five, and Arizona ran out of gas.

Azoulas Tublis scored 29 points and had 14 rebounds in Arizona.

Arizona played defensively while its high-octane offense was in fourth gear during the previous two matches.

The Wildcats once were the nation’s top-scoring and fastest-shooting teams. They scored 139 combined points against Washington State and Arizona State. Both won behind their defense.

Washington State was again a tough opponent for the Wildcats, who were forced to take several shots inside and went 1 for 8 from three in the first half.

Tubelis, who scored 15 points on 5-of-11 shots, was Arizona’s only offensive player. The Wildcats finished 4 for 16.

Arizona’s defense was successful in holding the Cougars scoreless over 4 1/2 minutes. The Cougars were also held to 7 for 22 (2-point) shots. Washington State overcame the deficit by going 7-15 from 3 and a 37-27% halftime lead against TJ Bambo’s 3-minute buzzer score.

Washington State increased its lead to 13 in the second half. Arizona was unable to catch up and they kept making shots.

After Washington State’s full-court press was broken by Arizona, DJ Rodman made a 3-pointer. He also scored another on the next possession. Gueye was allowed to take a run down the middle of Arizona’s court for a dunk which made the Cougars win 55-37.

Arizona increased the defensive pressure and held Washington State to just two free throws in just over five minutes. Arizona then cut the lead to 61-60 with a 12-2.

It was the Wildcats’ last chance. Washington State cut the lead to double digits, sending Wildcats fans to the exits.

BIG PICTURE

Washington State was the Pac-12’s most successful 3-point shooting team, arriving in the desert. Again, the Cougars shot well from the arc and played very defensively to defeat a top-5 team.

Arizona must find a solution to its offensive problems. After scoring over 90 points per game, the Wildcats are now averaging 70 points in just three games. Monday will see a drop in the AP Top 25.

NEXT

Washington State hosts California on Wednesday

Arizona plays Oregon State Thursday

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