PULLMAN, Wash. -- The University of the Incarnate Word men's basketball team continues its three-game road stretch with a matchup against Washington State at 6 p.m. (CT) Saturday, December 21, at Beasley Coliseum. 
 
"This game will be a fun, tough challenge heading into Christmas break," Cardinals coach Carson Cunningham said. "Washington State has some top notch scorers and rugged paint operators. We're hoping to build on the many strong elements from the last game, in particular, keeping that assist-to-turnover ratio positive."
 
TIPOFF COVERAGE
Live stream: PAC-12 Networks
Listen: TuneIn
Live stats: Stat Broadcast
 
SERIES HISTORY
This will be the first matchup between the Cardinals and the Cougars.
 
FANTASTIC FRESHMAN
Freshman guard Keaston Willis is coming off a 28-point performance against Central Arkansas, setting a new career high for the budding freshman. He's now scored in double-figures in five consecutive games and seven out of the last eight. 
 
SIZZLING SOPHOMORE
Sophomore guard Dwight Murray Jr. put together a phenomenal all-around performance Wednesday, posting 14 points with eight rebounds, eight assists and three steals, setting new career highs in the latter three categories. 
 
SWABY SWITCHES ON
Freshman guard Brandon Swaby turned in his best performance of the year against the Bears, recording career highs in points (16), steals (four), 3-pointers made (two) and minutes (35).
 
LARSSON'S LANE
Freshman center Marcus Larsson held down the paint against UCA, scoring a career-high 12 points while recording five rebounds, two assists and two steals.
 
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION

• After arriving at Washington State, new coach Kyle Smith turned over nearly the entire roster—only five players remain from last year's 11-21 team after three seniors graduated and five others transferred.
• The Cougars' leading scorer is one of the five returners from a year ago, sophomore forward C.J. Elleby. The 6'6 wing is averaging 20.5 points per game to go along with 6.6 rebounds and two steals per contest.
• After getting out to a 3-4 start, the Cougars are now riding a four-game win streak, most recently disposing of Florida A&M, 87-73, on Thursday.
• Washington State's only glaring weakness comes from its 3-point shooting. The Cougars are currently connecting on 28.9 percent of their shots from behind the arc—putting them at No. 317 in the country in that category.
• The Cougars don't make many mistakes offensively—the team ranks No. 5 in the country in fewest turnovers surrendered.

STAY TUNED 
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on Twitter @UIWAthletics.
The UIW men's basketball team is on Twitter at @UIWMBB and Instagram at @uiwmensbasketball.