Cougs use second half explosion to win

MARCUS CAPERS had nine points to lead 11 players that scored for Washington State in a 66-42 victory against Western Oregon on Sunday.

The Cougars (7-4) led 28-25 at intermission but used a 20-5 run in the second half to put away Division II Western Oregon (9-2).

"We came out lackadaisical," WSU coach Ken Bone said. "I chalk that up to finals week. (On the) offensive end, we didn't play with the energy we needed to."

The Cougars came out energized in the second half and pounded away at the Western Oregon zone.

Marcus Capers started the half with a rebound dunk, and four minutes later Mike Ladd hit a three-pointer that sparked the 20-5 run.

WSU's aggressive man defense was too much for Western Oregon.

WSU senior Abe Lodwick made his first appearance this year after injuring his foot and Faisal Aden, who had been the team's leading scorer, returned after missing three games with a concussion.