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Nov. 21, 2003

Box Score

PULLMAN, Wash. - - Lindsey Egeland tallied 11 points to lead a contingent of 10 Washington State players to make a dent on the scoreboard in the Cougars' 69-51 win over the Fresno State Bulldogs in women's basketball action, Friday at Friel Court.

The win marked the first season-opening triumph for WSU since three years ago to the day. The Cougars captured a 59-52 win at American University, Nov. 21, 2000 to open the 2000-01 campaign.

"We executed our game plan," WSU Head Coach Sherri Murrell said. "Fresno State was a team we saw on film that beat a lot of opponents by transitioning. Our transition defense was our No. 1 focus. They didn't have a lot of easy buckets on the fast break.

"We just attacked," Murrell added. "When we attacked we scored. Our offense really worked well tonight."

Kate Benz and Charmaine Jones had nine points each while Candace Fields added eight for WSU. Aritta Lane led Fresno State recording game-highs in points (24) and rebounds (10).

Despite committing 26 turnovers the Cougars forced Fresno State into 26 of its own. The 51 points allowed by the Cougars were the fewest given up by the team since a 55-49 win over Portland State, Nov. 26, 2001.

"Last year if we committed 26 turnovers we would also give up 80 points." Murrell said. "Our defense was something we didn't have last year. We frustrated them. The way that we changed our defense from last year really frustrated this opponent."

After a slow start in which the Cougars missed their first six shots, WSU would convert on 24 of their next 51 field goal attempts (47 percent). In addition, WSU made good on 17-of-21 free throw attempts and out-rebounded Fresno State 43-35. Conversely, Fresno State was 16-of-55 from the floor including 5-of-23 (21.7 percent) in the first half.

WSU returns to action at Wyoming, Monday, Nov. 24 at 6 p.m. Pacific.