Washington State routs Utah Valley 72-49

PULLMAN — Brock Motum scored 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the field to help Washington State crush Utah Valley 72-49 on Wednesday night.

Mike Ladd added 13 points, DaVonte Lacy chipped in 11 and hit three 3-point baskets and contributed with six assists to help Washington State (2-0) start its season perfect.

The Cougars executed the perfect inside-out game plan and the Cougars exposed the undersized Utah Valley posts. Washington State would outscore the Wolverines 40-20 in the paint and shoot 58 percent from the field in the first half. Utah Valley (1-2) would end the night shooting 51 percent from the field.

Ben Aird scored 10 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field, Nick Thompson and Jason Johnson each contributed with eight points for Utah Valley which ends a three game road trip. Aird would be the only Wolverine in double figures.

The Cougars ended the night with 16 assists and committed only five turnovers in what coach Ken Bone said played much better basketball than the first game of the season.

“Our tempo was very good tonight and we shared the ball well and we took care of the ball, only five turnovers, we played a very good basketball game, much better execution,” Bone said.

Utah Valley struggled to defend the parameter and Washington State shot 58.6 percent in the first half on 17-of-29 shooting from the field.

Washington State ended the half with a commanding 45-22 lead which included nailing seven 3-pointers in the half. The Cougars would stretch their lead to 64-36 with just over 11 minutes to play.

The largest lead in the game for Washington State came with just under 4 minutes to play in the game at 72-41, but the Cougars would not score again in the contest.

“We executed our game plan, and we held the team to under 50 points and I am happy with how we shared the ball, but most of all (I’m happy with) our defense.” Motum said.

Washington State’s bench contributed 23 points for the Cougars.