Washington State Tops Portland in Season Opener

Published by Andrew on January 3, 2026

The Season Opener of the West Coast Conference saw Washington State claim victory over Portland with a final score of 67-62.

Rihards Vavers stood out for the Cougars, scoring 13 points and showcasing his three-point shooting ability with 3 of 5 from beyond the arc.

The game featured key contributions from Tomas Thrastarson and Aaron Glass, each adding 11 points to the scoreboard.

As the team entered halftime with a solid lead, the second half promised intensity as they fought to maintain their momentum and secure the win.

High-Stakes Conference Opener

Washington State’s 67-62 victory over Portland set an electrifying tone for the West Coast Conference season.

As the game unfolded, it was clear this matchup was anything but ordinary.

Washington State’s explosive start saw them race to a promising halftime lead, only for Portland to launch a fierce comeback, flipping the script with an eight-point advantage in the second half.

Yet, fueled by a critical 12-0 run, Washington State showcased their resilience, ultimately seizing the upper hand.

Rihards Vavers emerged as a pivotal force off the bench, contributing 13 invaluable points.

Meanwhile, Tomas Thrastarson and Aaron Glass added crucial support, each netting 11 points.

This spirited performance underscored the dynamic competitiveness anticipated within the conference this season.

In stark contrast, Mikah Ballew and Joel Foxwell gave Portland fans a reason to cheer, each scoring 15 points, but their efforts fell just short of changing the game’s course.

Dive into ESPN’s game analysis for more thrilling insights.

Player Impact Analysis

The recent victory for Washington State over Portland showcased a clear scoring hierarchy, with Rihards Vavers leading the charge with 13 points.

His ability to hit from beyond the arc, including a solid 3 of 5 from three-point range, proved crucial in maintaining the team’s momentum.

Supporting Vavers, Tomas Thrastarson and Aaron Glass each contributed 11 points, highlighting a balanced offensive effort that was key to overcoming a second-half deficit.

Rihards Vavers’ Efficient Stroke

Rihards Vavers showcased his offensive prowess in Washington State’s 67-62 win over Portland, delivering a crucial 13-point performance that came off the bench.

His impressive shooting efficiency, recording 4-of-6 FG and 3-of-5 3PT, provided the team with reliable scoring during pivotal moments.

By consistently hitting shots from beyond the arc, Vavers not only spaced the floor effectively but also shifted the game’s momentum in Washington State’s favor.

His accurate shooting forced Portland’s defense to extend beyond the perimeter, opening lanes for his teammates and maintaining the offensive tempo.

For more insights on Vavers’ game performance, visit ESPN Recap of the Game.

Balanced Support from Thrastarson and Glass

Tomas Thrastarson and Aaron Glass each showcased their prowess by adding 11 points to Washington State’s impressive win against Portland.

Thrastarson’s scoring consistency on the court included vital rebounds that kept the momentum with the Cougars, while Glass’s contributions provided essential support from the perimeter.

These synchronized efforts not only complemented Rihards Vavers’ 13-point performance but also maintained offensive balance.

The duo’s well-rounded gameplay, as seen during the match, ensured Washington State’s commanding presence throughout both halves, overcoming deficits with precision and creating a relentless offensive front against Portland’s defenses.

Establishing Control Before the Break

In the opening game of the West Coast Conference, Washington State emerged with a solid 32-23 halftime lead over Portland, thanks to a blend of disciplined defense and timely shooting.

The Cougars applied relentless defensive pressure, forcing the Pilots into difficult shots and turnovers, which proved pivotal in controlling the tempo of the game.

Every possession was contested fiercely, with Washington State players moving swiftly and cohesively, ensuring that Portland’s attempts to break through were met with staunch resistance.

As the clock edged towards halftime, Tomas Thrastarson and Aaron Glass contributed crucial baskets, each scoring 11 points, which slowly built Washington State’s lead.

Meanwhile, Rihards Vavers displayed precision behind the arc, converting three out of five three-point attempts, further widening the gap and keeping the momentum firmly in favor of Washington State.

Their tactical execution created an environment where Portland struggled to find any rhythm, setting the scene for a hard-fought victory.

Game-Changing 12-0 Surge

Washington State showcased their relentless determination in a thrilling second-half comeback against Portland.

The crowd erupted as Washington State unleashed a pivotal 12-0 scoring burst, completely transforming the game.

This electrifying sequence began with Rihards Vavers hitting a crucial three-pointer, instantly energizing both players and fans alike.

As the deficit narrowed, the energy in the arena became palpable, with every play intensifying the atmosphere.

The momentum shifted dramatically as Tomas Thrastarson and Aaron Glass each made critical contributions, their aggressiveness and focus evident in every possession.

Portland’s defense struggled to cope with the sudden surge, visibly overwhelmed by Washington State’s relentless offensive push.

With each basket scored, Washington State drew closer, feeding off the roaring support from their fans.

The once secure lead that Portland held evaporated, with Washington State taking control and maintaining it until the final buzzer.

This 12-0 run exemplified teamwork and resilience, ultimately culminating in a hard-fought victory.

For detailed insights, check out the ESPN Game Recap.

Portland’s Resilient Scorers

Joel Foxwell and Mikah Ballew emerged as key players in Portland’s tight contest against Washington State, each contributing 15 points to keep the game competitive.

Their synchronized scoring efforts underscored a resilient spirit, propelling the Pilots into a position where they could challenge Washington State effectively.

Foxwell, who also added six rebounds and six assists, displayed his trustworthy skills on both offensive and defensive fronts, providing the team with pivotal moments of momentum.

Meanwhile, Ballew’s precision, highlighted by his ability to score from different spots on the court, was instrumental in maintaining the game’s intensity and ensuring Portland remained within striking distance.

This dynamic duo’s contribution, characterized by vital plays and nimble coordination, demonstrated the depth of talent within Portland’s roster.

Though the game ultimately resulted in a narrow loss for the Pilots, their performances left a lasting impression, marking them as standout figures in a fiercely competitive opening to the West Coast Conference.

Stat Snapshot

The efficiency of Rihards Vavers coming off the bench was instrumental in Washington State’s victory over Portland with a shooting performance of 4-6 from the field, including 3-5 from beyond the arc, highlighting his key contribution to the team’s overall success.

Washington State’s determined efforts in the Season Opener set the tone for the rest of the conference season.

With strong performances from key players, they look to build on this success as the season progresses.