Preview: Washington State Cougars at Pacific Tigers

LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — Two teams looking to build late-season momentum will meet Friday when the Washington State Cougars face the Pacific Tigers in a non-conference women’s basketball game at Orleans Arena.

The matchup is a rematch from Jan. 22, when Pacific (11-18) defeated Washington State (8-24) 65-53 on its home floor in Stockton, California. The Tigers will look to replicate that result on a neutral court.

Washington State enters having won three of its last four games, including an 80-58 victory over Seattle on Thursday. The Cougars’ offense has shown signs of life during this stretch, averaging 66.8 points in those four contests after a prolonged slump.

Pacific has lost three straight, most recently a 64-59 defeat at San Diego on Feb. 28. The Tigers have struggled defensively during the skid, allowing an average of 78.7 points per game.

A key matchup will feature Washington State guard Eleonora Villa against Pacific’s Winner Bartholomew. Villa is coming off a 22-point performance in Thursday’s win and has averaged 15.8 points over her last four games. Bartholomew leads Pacific with 17 points in her last outing and has been a consistent scorer in conference play.

Despite their overall records, recent form suggests a competitive game. Washington State’s recent surge provides a contrast to its difficult season, while Pacific aims to rediscover the form that produced a 73-51 win over San Francisco on Feb. 19.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, Washington State holds a slight projected edge with a 53.3% probability to win.

Tip-off is scheduled for Friday, March 6, at Orleans Arena.