The WSU women’s hoops team (7-2) used a late comeback to beat in-state rival Gonzaga (5-3) in Spokane, Wash. A victory over Gonzaga, even a middling Gonzaga, is still an impressive win to put on the Cougars NCAA Tournament résumé.

Tia Presley had a monster night vs. Gonzaga (Courtesy of WSUCougars.com)

Shooting guard Lia Galdeira secured the victory by hitting two free throws with 6.9 seconds left — after getting fouled hard — to extend Washington State’s lead to 59-56. Gonzaga hit a lay-up as time expired to close within one of WSU. Galdeira’s free throws gave the Cougars their second victory over the Bulldogs in the last three seasons — WSU’s previous victory was a 57-51 stunner in 2012, also in Spokane.

Unlike the 2012-13 squad, this years team is in the middle of an incredible start to their season. Washington State’s season started with an impressive 16-point home victory over (at the time) No. 22 Dayton, and a tight win over (at the time) No. 8 Maryland in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  The team’s worst loss was an 12-point loss to a 6-2 Michigan squad that is not receiving votes in any of the top 25 polls. WSU’s 21-point loss to No. 15 Nebraska is the team’s second worse lost, and its only other loss during the season. So far, Washington State has earned a 2-1 record against team’s in the top 25.

Washington State has seven wins during its non-conference schedule for the first time since the Cougars last NCAA Tournament appearance, which was the 1990-91 season. The 1991 tournament team was also the last time the Cougars had received votes in the top 25, until this years squad; as WSU currently has seven top 25 votes.

The Cougars next play on Saturday, December 20th at 1 pm in Beasley Coliseum, Pullman, Wash. against the Montana State Bobcats.

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