Washington State Defeats Washington in Exhibition Match
The Cougars overcame a late deficit to secure an 84-80 victory over the Huskies in Seattle.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Basketball
Washington State secured an 84-80 win against Washington in a men's basketball exhibition game at Alaska Airlines Arena. The Cougars erased a seven-point second-half deficit to narrowly defeat the Huskies.
Why it matters
The game provided a critical early-season test for both teams, highlighting their ability to manage high-pressure situations and execute free throws effectively. It also marked a rare meeting for the longtime rivals outside of their standard regular-season schedule.
Washington State shot 31 of 46 from the free-throw line, while Washington went 30 of 41. Both teams finished with an identical 22 of 56 shooting performance from the field.
The players
Ronnie Harrison
He led Washington State with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and a crucial late-game defensive block.
LeJuan Watts
He scored a game-high 28 points for Washington and attempted the final potential game-tying shot.
The details
Washington State utilized a decisive 13-2 run in the second half to shift momentum in their favor. The game concluded after Ronnie Harrison blocked a potential game-tying 3-point attempt from LeJuan Watts with only six seconds remaining.
Timeline
The exhibition game took place on Oct. 25, 2026.
The teams last missed a regular-season meeting in 1917.
Washington State lost a previous exhibition at New Mexico on Oct. 18, 2026.
Washington State will open its regular season against Davidson on Nov. 2, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This exhibition meeting serves as a litmus test for both programs as they prepare to navigate their upcoming competitive schedules. The outcome helps establish momentum for Washington State ahead of its regular season debut against Davidson.
Ronnie Harrison's double-double performance sets him as a primary player to track for rotation minutes and production heading into the regular season. The team's ability to capitalize on 46 free throw attempts demonstrates a heavy reliance on drawing fouls to sustain offensive output.
The takeaway
Maintaining composure during high-foul games is a essential skill for teams looking to succeed in the upcoming season. Coaches will likely emphasize free-throw consistency and late-game defensive stops as primary areas for improvement.
What happens next
Washington State is scheduled to play its regular season opener against Davidson on Nov. 2, 2026.
Further reading
For more on local collegiate programs, visit Seattle Basketball.
