PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — The Washington State Cougars, seeking to halt a difficult start to the season, visit the .500 Portland Pilots in a nonconference women’s basketball matchup Friday at the Chiles Center.

Washington State (2-13) enters on a five-game losing streak, most recently falling 67-58 to Loyola Marymount on Tuesday. The Cougars’ lone victory in their last 11 contests was a 66-63 home win over Pepperdine on Dec. 28.

Portland (7-7) looks to rebound from a narrow 67-64 road loss at San Francisco on Tuesday. The Pilots have shown resilience, alternating wins and losses over their past six games, including a 63-59 victory at Saint Mary’s on Dec. 28.

The game features a compelling backcourt duel between two standout guards. Washington State will lean heavily on Eleonora Villa, who has been a consistent offensive force. The guard is averaging 17.5 points over her last six games, including a 21-point effort in the loss to Loyola Marymount where she played all 40 minutes.

For Portland, facilitator Rhyan Mogel directs the offense. She is coming off a double-double with 14 points and 10 assists against San Francisco and has tallied 38 assists over her last five appearances.

The Cougars have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 73.2 points per game during their current five-game skid. Containing a balanced Portland attack, which posted 98 points in a win over Portland State on Dec. 21, will be a primary challenge.

This contest is organized by the West Coast and is the final nonconference tune-up for both teams before each resumes its respective league schedule. Washington State visits Seattle on Sunday, while Portland hosts Pacific.

Tip-off is set for Friday, Jan. 2, 2026.