Washington State overpowers Seattle for 85-54 win

PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) — CJ Elleby scored 27 points and Washington State overpowered Seattle 85-54 Thursday night

Washington State looked strong on both sides of the ball in its season opener under new head coach Kyle Smith.

The Cougars led the entire game, shooting 41% and outscored Seattle 32-22 in the paint.

Elleby had an impressive performance, shooting 12 of 18 from the field and grabbing seven rebounds. Issac Bonton added 12 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

Seattle (1-1) struggled with a stifling defensive effort by the Cougars. Washington State forced 19 points off turnovers and held the Redhawks to just 36 percent shooting, including 1 of 13 shooting from the 3-point line. WSU had only three turnovers.

Terrell Brown had 24 points and 10 rebounds for the Redhawks.

BIG PICTURE

Seattle: The Redhawks were overpowered on both ends of the floor.

Washington State: Smith’s offseason focus on defensive principles paid off for the Cougars who held the Redhawks to 54 points. With Elleby, a Wooden Award watch list candidate, at the helm and an influx of new talent, the Cougars could be an underdog to watch in the Pac-12.

UP NEXT

Seattle travels to play Eastern Washington in Cheney on Saturday.

Washington State travels to California to take on Santa Clara on Tuesday.

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