LAS VEGAS (AP) — Washington State junior Charlisse Leger-Walker left for her homeland of New Zealand twice during the season. Once to see her grandmother, Mere Smith, when she became ill, and a second time for Smith's funeral.
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On Sunday, Leger-Walker honored her grandmother.
Leger-Walker scored 23 points and Bella Murekatete added 21 as the Cougars earned a trip to the NCAA Tournament by beating No. 19 UCLA 65-61 in the Pac-12 Championship on Sunday.
“This whole tournament, I think, my Nana’s been looking over me,” said Leger-Walker, who was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.