Washington State is projected to finish 6th in the 9-team Pac-12 in the preseason media poll. Gonzaga (who we play in Hawaii on November 23rd) is the favorite.

The Cougars have a 12-player roster with 4 freshmen (1 redshirt freshman) and 9 international players (Belgium, Italy, Argentina. France, New Zealand, Russia). Perhaps some of our international players have faced them before arriving at Cal.

They have played only one exhibition game beating Westmont College, 71-46, on October 25th.

Go Bears!

They were horrible last year, with a 9-25 record, including a 112-35 loss to LSU. But they will have a few new players.

annarborbear said:

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They were horrible last year, with a 9-25 record, including a 112-35 loss to LSU. But they will have a few new players.

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And experienced continuity

HoopDreams said:

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annarborbear said:

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They were horrible last year, with a 9-25 record, including a 112-35 loss to LSU. But they will have a few new players.

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And experienced continuity

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I think they should experience a 112-35 loss at Cal.

Women's Basketball at University of Missouri 11/23/2025 - Washington State University Athletics - Official Athletics Site

Washington State's stats are not up from last season. I did happen to notice that Wazzu played Missouri in a tournament in November, 2025. The Tigers defeated the Cougars by 17 points. The two high scorers for their respective teams were Eleonora Villa (24) & Shannon Dowell (20), respectively. Both shooters were "on fire".
Dowell had a great all-around game except she committed six turnovers. WSU played that game without their starting center, Alex Covill (6-6).

Hopefully, Cal's new 6-5 center, Albina Syla, can neutralize Covill or the game could be closer than one might
anticipate.

2026-27 Women's Basketball Roster - Washington State University Athletics - Official Athletics Site

I have only seen the USC game, but I think that Shannon Dowell needs to be a starter. Remember, last season whenever the Bears offense would stall, HC Charmin Smith would bring in the dynamic duo of Gisella Maul and Naya Ojukwu off of the bench. Those two generated instant offense by the energy that they brought with them into the game. Once Miracle Sheppard returns as the starting PG, Ruby Perkins could also enter the game as another spark plug for the team.

GO BEARS!

WSU's 2025-2026 stats are up but weren't easy to find:

https://wsucougars.com/sports/womens-basketball/stats/season/2025-26