As a lead that had reached 31 points melted to 12 late in the second half, it highlighted what a different team Washington State is without Robert Franks on the floor.
But the Cougars drew the line there and held off Cal Poly for an 84-70 win Monday, which put a spotlight, as well, on what coach Ernie Kent believes is a special defensive unit.
“It’s the first time in a long time I have had a defense that can dictate tempo in a game,” Kent said.
When that tempo feeds into an unselfish offense, as it did against the Mustangs, the Cougs are a handful.