HIGH POINT, N.C. — Washington State men’s basketball is still searching for its first win of the season after falling to High Point 83-71 on Saturday.
Despite a game-high 31 points from Lazerek Houston, the Cougars couldn’t keep pace with the Panthers in the second half, dropping to 0-2 on the young season.
Washington State kept things close throughout the opening 20 minutes, trailing by just one point, 32-31, at halftime.
But High Point took control after the break, outscoring the Cougars 51-40 in the second half to pull away for the 12-point victory.
CJ Brown led the Panthers with 17 points, all coming in the second half. Brown shot an efficient 6-of-8 from the field and knocked down five of his six free-throw attempts.
Cam’Ron Fletcher and Jason Rivera-Torres each added 13 points for High Point. Fletcher also grabbed seven rebounds and recorded three steals.
For Washington State, Houston carried much of the offensive load with his 31-point performance. Jaylen Harrell added 18 points, while R.J. Jones chipped in 12.
The trio combined for 61 of the Cougars’ 71 points.
High Point improved to 3-0 with the victory, while Washington State dropped to 0-2 after suffering its second straight loss to open the season.
The Cougars will look to get back on track Tuesday when they face Duquesne, as Washington State searches for its first win of the season.
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