WSU Basketball | Cougs prevail over LCSC in exhibition 73-51

November 9, 10:12 PMWashington State Cougars ExaminerLew Wright

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Washington State men's basketball Coach Ken Bone took his Cougars out for a test drive Monday evening against Lewis-Clark State College. The new head man for Cougar hoops saw his team best LCSC in an exhibition tune up 73-51.

There was a combination of new and old in the way WSU took to the hardwood in Beasley Coliseum.

Cougar fans in attendance saw some flashes of Bennett Ball when WSU was on defense. LCSC was held to shooting under 26% for the game.

A rarity during the Bennett Ball era took place late in the second half when true freshman Reggie Moore showed his blazing speed racing to the bucket for a fast break slam dunk. The play was such a stunner it took me three attempts to spell those four words correctly and in the proper order.

Clearly the exhibition game Monday night marked the beginning of a new era.

Washington State scored the first 13 points of the game and never looked back.

Fittingly, sophomore Klay Thompson scored the first bucket of the evening, knocking down one of his patented three-point jumpers. Moments later, Thompson dished off to sophomore Abe Lodwick who knocked down a trey of his own. Thompson would finish the game as high scorer for both teams with 19 and a perfect 4-4 from behind the three-point arc.

Coach Bone started a lineup that featured four guards and a forward. Here's a look at his starting five:

After getting off to a great start defensively, the Cougs continued to play well through the first half.

Once again, a taste of the ol' Cougs with Klay Thompson putting 14 points on the board to lead all scorers. He also logged the most playing time with 16 minutes on the hardwood for Coach Bone. Freshman Xavier Thames came off the bench to pour in 8 points and made a couple of steals in just 10 minutes.

Reggie Moore put up solid numbers for the game. He dished out 4 assists in each half for a game high 8 on the night. Add to that 3 steals, 4 boards and 6 points in 23 minutes and you've got yourself a point guard in the making.

Daniel Williams turned in a very nice performance for Lewis-Clark State. He led the team in scoring with 15 points on 5 of 10 shooting, pulled down 5 boards and logged 31 minutes of playing time, more than any other player for either team.

One area where Washington State struggled was allowing too many offensive rebounds. Size will be an issue for this team all season, requiring them to out-quick the other team. That didn't happen tonight as LCSC grabbed 16 offensive rebounds. Granted, they had more chances to go to the glass at their end of the court because of the pressure WSU applied to their players creating missed shots.

The Cougs shot the ball well tonight converting 55.6% of their field goal attempts and were efficient from beyond the three-point arc making 8 of 17.

DeAngelo Casto is expected to play big for Coach Bone this season. He got off to a great start tonight. Sure, he was the second leading scorer for WSU with 14 points. Yes, Casto is still a threat in the middle on defense as witnessed by the three blocked shots and numerous misses as he forced LCSC players to change their shot. One stat Casto earned this evening should grab your attention. Despite the high energy and aggressive style he brings to the game, Casto was whistled for just one foul in 24 minutes of play. That, my friends, is playing big when you look at his impact on this game. And did I mention with Casto's 11 rebounds he had a double-double?

You may not remember Michael Harthun from last season, but he was memorable tonight shooting 5-6 from the field for 10 points.

Speaking of playing, Coach Bone played everyone who suited up for the Cougs tonight.

Though the game tonight was exhibition, outscoring the other team is just a really good thing anytime.

Friday evening officially begins the 2009-2010 schedule when the Cougs host Mississippi Valley State on Friel Court in Pullman at 7pm.

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