PULLMAN — Ike Iroegbu scored a career-high 21 points and Josh Hawkinson had 19 points and 14 rebounds in Washington State’s 85-67 victory over Idaho State on Friday night.
Valentine Izundu, a junior transfer from Houston, recorded career highs of 10 points, seven rebounds and six blocked shots for the Cougars (2-0).
Ali Faruq-Bey led Idaho State (2-1) with 19 points.
Washington State never trailed after the opening minutes. The Cougars missed 12 of 18 3-pointers in the opening half, then pulled away by working the ball inside against the inexperienced Bengals.
Iroegbu, splitting time between point guard and shooting guard, found success driving to the basket. He sank 10 of 12 free throws and collected seven assists and six rebounds.
Idaho State, a Big Sky Conference team, has lost 23 consecutive games to current members of the Pac-12 Conference. The losing streak dates back to a 62-57 win at Oregon on Dec. 3, 1986.
Washington State shot 48.3 percent from the field and held Idaho State to 34.3 percent. The Cougars outrebounded ISU 49-35.
Idaho State’s Ethan Telfair, the brother of former NBA player Sebastian Telfair, scored 15 points and Geno Luzcando finished with 14.
TIP-INS
Hawkinson, who set a school record with 20 double-doubles last season, has recorded a double-double in each game this season. … Washington State came in last (12th) in the lone preseason poll (for media) in the Pac-12 Conference.
UP NEXT
Cal State-Los Angeles at Washington State on Tuesday.
