PULLMAN – The standing ovations began before the grand finale at the game’s end.
Josh Hawkinson’s fourth block got an admittedly small crowd on its feet, and fans stood sporadically to cheer when the Cougars frequently made trips to the free-throw line to ice a game that was practically decided.
But the long, sustained applause was saved for the final moments of Washington State’s 85-78 win over No. 25 UCLA, the first win over a ranked team during Ernie Kent’s time coaching the Cougars.
The 1,912 fans in attendance had some fun and the Bruins left Pullman with yet another loss, having not beaten the Cougars in Pullman since Feb.