Washington State Falls to High Point 83-71
Lazerek Houston scored a game-high 31 points, but Washington State dropped its second straight game to open the season.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Basketball
Washington State lost to High Point 83-71 in a road game on Saturday, extending its season-opening losing streak to two games. High Point shot 58% from the field and went on a 10-2 second-half run to take control.
Why it matters
The loss leaves Washington State at 0-2 to begin the season, with interior defense and fouling problems drawing attention. Early results like these set the tone for the team's competitiveness as the season progresses.
High Point shot 58% from the field and 68% in the second half, while Washington State made 12 of 26 three-point attempts and Lazerek Houston scored a game-high 31 points. The extraction does not indicate the status of Ronnie Harrison's ankle injury beyond his absence from the game.
The players
Lazerek Houston
Lazerek Houston is a Washington State guard who led all scorers with 31 points in the loss to High Point.
CJ Brown
CJ Brown is a High Point guard who scored 17 points in the win over Washington State.
The details
High Point took control with a 10-2 run in the second half after Washington State built a 52-50 lead, and an RJ Jones technical foul slowed the game's flow. Washington State's interior defense struggled, with the team failing to guard the ball and committing fouls, while Ronnie Harrison did not play after turning his ankle.
Timeline
Monday: Ronnie Harrison turned his ankle hours before the game against Davidson.
Saturday: Washington State lost 83-71 to High Point.
Tuesday: Washington State plays at Duquesne.
Season Trajectory
Washington State's loss to High Point extends its season-opening losing streak to two games, placing it at 0-2 early in the campaign. The team's next test comes Tuesday at Duquesne, a matchup that could shape the early-season standings.
Washington State's 0-2 start leaves little margin for error as it heads to Duquesne on Tuesday, with the Cougars needing to tighten interior defense and limit fouls. Fantasy managers tracking Lazerek Houston should note his 31-point output in the loss.
The takeaway
Early foul trouble and interior defensive lapses cost Washington State in this loss, and tightening those areas will be central to avoiding a third straight defeat at Duquesne.
What happens next
Washington State plays at Duquesne on Tuesday.
Further reading
Follow more coverage in the Basketball section for updates on Washington State's season.
