The Washington State Cougars got a lift from two “returns” on Thursday night, as they walloped the hapless California Golden Bears, 82-59, to break a six-game skid and pick up their first Pac-12 win.
WSU (8-9 overall, 1-3 Pac-12) played at Beasley Coliseum for the first time in nearly a month, but probably more importantly, Robert Franks hit the floor for the first time in four games. The Cougs’ best player didn’t disappoint: He scored 24 points on 18 shots and also grabbed 8 rebounds, showing practically no effects of the hip contusion that kept him out for weeks and ensuring that WSU won’t go winless in the Pac-12.