HOOPS: Motum's bookends power Cougs' win

BROCK MOTUM SCORED the first nine points for the Cougars, as Washington State played perhaps their crispest first half of the season. Oregon State launched a furious comeback, however, and things looked dicey down the stretch. Motum had an answer though, scoring the last four buckets of the game for the Cougs. Still, WSU had to hit their free throws...

And they did -- with none bigger than Marcus Capers pair to seal the deal with 13 seconds left and cap the scoring at 81-76.

Washington State came out of the gate energetic and sharp, forging an early nine point lead behind Motum, who finished one point off his career high with 26. On the defensive end, WSU employed a 2-3 zone that seemed to bother Oregon State and negate much of their high post game.

DaVonté Lacy heated up in the second half, scoring 18 for the game. And Reggie Moore 's contributions were critical -- 8 points, 9 assists and just 1 turnover.

The Cougs held a 40-35 edge at the break, building it to 11 points with about six minutes left. But OSU heated up from 3-point land, and Oregon State cut it to just a three point deficit in short order. Motum then took over, scoring the final four buckets for the Cougs. Back and forth it went, and OSU kept filling up the bucket from both short and long distance. But Wazzu closed it out at the free throw line.

Over the final couple of minutes, WSU hit 9-12 from the line.