The Washington State women’s basketball team (2-0) crushed Idaho State (0-1) 84-34 on Saturday afternoon, thanks to a 40-0 run to start the contest.

WSU’s match-up against ISU was never even close, as the Bengals quickly dug themselves into a 40-point hole with sloppy play and poor shot selection. Guards Tia Presley and Lia Galdeira were the primary factors behind the Cougars offensive explosion in the first half, and the continued building of the lead early in the second half. Presley finished the day with 29 points, while Galdeira scored 24.

The Bengals scored their first points of the game with 6:21 left in the first half, on a free throw by Apiphany Woods. Idaho State ended up outscoring WSU during the last six minutes of the first half, 15-11 — the halftime score was 51-15.

While the second half saw the Bengals play better basketball, the Cougars were clearly in control of the game. Even when head coach June Daugherty subbed out the starters, and second string, for the freshmen, it was clear Idaho State didn’t stand a chance at making a comeback.

Cougars throttle No. 22 Dayton to open-up season with a win

The Cougs spanked No. 22 Dayton (0-1 pending result against Gonzaga) 76-60 at Beasley Coliseum Friday night. It was a tightly contested first ten minutes of the game, but WSU went on a 13-0 run to open up a 23-10 lead late in the first half.

WSU’s aggressive match-up zone stifled the Flyers, and forced 30 turnovers throughout the game. Dayton’s played a crucial part in the Cougars’ 13-0 run that gave WSU the lead for good. Presley started the run with a three-point jumper, she scored five of Washington State’s points during the run.

The Cougs were up 40-25 at halftime.

Dayton played a cleaner second half, by Galdeira (21 points) and Presley (19 points) made sure that the Cougar offense was able to outscore the Flyers 36-35 in the second half. The Flyers limited their turnovers, and that was the big difference maker in the second half; unfortunately for Dayton, it was too little too late.

The Cougars should be receiving top-25 votes heading into their match-up against No. 16 Nebraska at 8 pm on Wednesday night.