Washington State vs Winthrop Preview

East- Round 1
Washington State Cougars (4) Vs. Winthrop Eagles (13)
Thursday, March 20 @ 7:20 pm
Betting Line From Bookmaker: Washington St -9.5

In the PAC-10, the 21st nationally rated Washington State Cougars (11- 7 PAC-10, 24- 8 overall) finished in third-place. The club hammered away at nonconference teams, winning 14-straight, including away games at the PAC-10’s University of Washington and USC. Then they were beaten by UCLA 81- 74. During the next eight games, the Eagles went 4- 4. The truth is that the Washington State Cougars have precious little room for error when it comes to playing ultra competitive teams.

For the Cougars, they are at their weakest in the frontcourt. Center Aaron Baynes (10.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG) was not the dominant player many had thought he’d be. Although he hit 59% from the floor, his “D” and rebounding did not meet expectations. Forward Daven Harmeling (6.1 PPG, 2.2 RPG), who battled an ankle injury, also underperformed. Overall, the guards looked solid, with Derrick Low (14.1 PPG, 1.8 RPG) leading the club in points, and guard Taylor Rochestie (11.0 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 4.6 APG) being the top assist man.

After coming in second in the regular season to North Carolina-Asheville, the Winthrop Eagles (10- 4 Big South, 22- 11 overall) beat UNCA in the conference tournament. Prior to the season, the Eagles, under new coach Randy Peele, lost point guard DeAndre Adams to a car accident. The team dedicated the season to Adams and excelled, beating two ACC clubs, holding opponents to just 58.2 PPG and defeating UNCA by 18 points in the title game.

Guard Michael Jenkins (14.3 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.5 APG) is the team’s top scorer. Upfront, power forward Taj McCullough (11.5 PPG, 5.7 RPG) takes no prisoners, having developed into a true talent. Point guard Chris Gaynor (9.7 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.2 APG) ably commands the floor, setting up plays.

The Winthrop Eagles are dangerous enough to create problems for the relatively thin Washington State Cougars. The weak Washington frontcourt makes for an interesting match up that could go either way.

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