Washington State Cougars dominate Fresno State Bulldogs in California showdown

On November 25, 2024, the Washington State Cougars faced off against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California. This matchup marked the first meeting of the season between the two teams. The Cougars entered the game with a solid 5-1 record in non-conference games, showcasing their strong performance so far this season. In contrast, the Bulldogs were 3-2 in non-conference games and had struggled against opponents with winning records, holding a 1-2 record in such matchups. As the game progressed, both teams had notable individual performances, with Cedric Coward leading the Cougars with an average of 17.7 points per game and Amar Augillard scoring 18.4 points per game for the Bulldogs. The Cougars demonstrated a higher shooting efficiency, making 48.8% of their shots compared to the 43.9% that Fresno State allowed its opponents. This efficiency contributed to Washington State’s ability to maintain a lead throughout the game. The game also came with a betting line that favored the Cougars by 13.5 points, emphasizing their strong position going into the match. Additionally, the over/under for total points in the game was set at 158.5. This reflected expectations for an offensively competitive matchup, particularly given both teams' scoring averages. While Fresno State averaged 74.4 points per game, they faced a challenge against Washington State, which allows 76.5 points per game. Overall, the matchup was an important early-season test for both teams, particularly for Washington State as they sought to solidify their standing in the non-conference schedule. The outcome would carry implications for both teams moving forward as they prepare for their subsequent games, shaping their strategies and adjustments for future contests.