PULLMAN — Josh Hawkinson scored 25 points and grabbed 13 rebounds Sunday as Washington State defeated short-handed San Jose State 82-53.
Hawkinson made 12 of 17 field goals.
“Pretty much that’s the goal going into every game, get 10 points 10 rebounds, try to get that double-double,” Hawkinson said.
San Jose State (2-10) only suited seven players for the game. On Dec. 13, coach Dave Wojcik suspended five players — including the team’s top four scorers — for violating team rules. Wojick brought players from the football team just to have enough bodies Sunday.
“I think we got tired, we got worn down,” Wojcik said. “Credit them — they played 12 guys to wear us down.”
The Cougars were trailing 11-6 before Hawkinson made three-straight shots which sparked a 25-5 run by Washington State. Hawkinson’s 3-pointer from the right wing put an exclamation point on the run, making it 31-16.
Washington State had a 34-5 advantage in bench points as coach Ernie Kent utilized his entire roster. Josh Railey scored 12 of those as WSU took advantage of the circumstances.
“They were depleted in numbers, but also going into a game like this guys have to realize they don’t have anything to lose,” Railey said. “They might have even more confidence because they know they’re going to get their minutes, they know they’re going to get their shots up.”
Washington State (5-6) finished the first half with a 53-35 lead and the margin dropped below 20 points in the second half.
DaVonte Lacy scored 14 points and Dexter Kernich-Drew added 10 for Washington State.
Darryl Gaynor II led San Jose State with 24 points on 8-of-27 shooting.
TIP-INS
San Jose State: The Spartans have not beaten a Division I team since Feb. 18 when they defeated Nevada 68-64. Before that, their last win over a Division I team was Dec. 18 of 2013. They entered the game ranked 337th in the country at 57.5 points per game. On Dec. 18, associated head coach Chris Brazelton was placed on administrative leave.
Washington State: The Cougars only shot 6 of 24 from 3-point range. The contest marked the first home game for WSU since Dec. 6. Railey’s 12 points were a season high.
UP NEXT
WSU will host UC-Davis on Dec. 28.
