Sept. 4, 2008

PULLMAN, Wash. - Tickets for the 2008 Cougar Hardwood Classic will go on sale to the general public Saturday, Sept. 6, Northwest Sports & Entertainment announced. The game, which pits Washington State University men's basketball against Montana State, will take place Saturday, Dec. 13 at Seattle's KeyArena.

The 2008 edition marks the fourth consecutive Cougar Hardwood Classic in Seattle. WSU has not lost in the Cougar Hardwood Classic with victories over Utah (2005), San Diego State (2006) and The Citadel (2007). Last season against The Citadel, the Cougars played in front of a record crowd of 12,000 fans.

WSU returns two starters, Aron Baynes and Taylor Rochestie, from last season's squad which tied the school record with 26 wins, advancing to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history.

WSU hosts Lewis-Clark State College in an exhibition game Monday, Nov. 10 at Friel Court before opening its season Sunday, Nov. 16 at home in the opening round of the Legends Classic.

Tickets are available online at www.wsucougars.com and www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1-800-GO-COUGS.