Washington State Dazzles In Opening Game of Cancun Challenge

WASHINGTON STATE 87, MARYLAND 67

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MX – The Washington State Cougars (6-0) remained unbeaten on Thursday morning, knocking off Maryland, 87-67, in the opening game of the 2023 Women’s Cancun Challenge.

The Cougars faced an early deficit and trailed by as much as 13 points in the second quarter, but outscored the Terps 21-8 in the second quarter to take a three-point lead into halftime. Coming out of the break, Washington State was relentless and outscored Maryland 26-13 in the third quarter to seize control of the game.

The Cougars played with unmatched pace and locked in on defense. After giving up 31 points in the opening quarters, Washington State held Maryland to just 36 points over the final three quarters.

Washington State was led by senior guard Charlisse Leger-Walker who registered a triple-double with 11 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists. The Cougars had six players reach double figures in scoring, led by Bella Murekatete, who had 17 points, six rebounds and four blocks off the bench. As a team, Washington State shot 61 percent from the field and 47.4 percent from 3-point range.

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