Washington State vs Seattle U: 2019-20 college basketball game preview, TV schedule

With both teams trying to prove that they have improved from last year’s disappointing seasons, Seattle U and Washington State will clash in a “prove it” game.

Who: Seattle U Redhawks at Washington State Cougars

Arena: Friel Court in Pullman, WA

TV Schedule: Thursday, Nov. 7, 9 p.m. EST – Pac-12 Network

The first Thursday of the college basketball season has become associated with some of the least intriguing matchups every year. While the schedule may make some fans cringe, it provides an underrated matchup between Seattle U and Washington State the full benefit of a spotlight game.

Both these teams went through plenty of ups and downs last season and will be looking to prove they can compete in their respective conferences. Washington State, in particular, will aim to show that Kyle Smith was the right coaching hire to pull the Cougars out of the Pac-12 gutter. To do this they must win this game and avenge their loss to Seattle U from last season.

There is no doubt that during the final stretch of Ernie Kent’s tenure as head coach in Pullman, the Cougs had some of their worst seasons in recent memory. As a result, the athletic department decided to hire Smith, who his ability to develop talent at San Francisco, which will benefit the tough recruiting location Washington State finds itself in.

The cupboards are not entirely bare for Smith, however, as potential NBA draft pick CJ Elleby returns for his sophomore season, and Colorado State transfer Deion James should provide a valuable second option scorer.

For the Redhawks of Seattle U, the key to success this season rides on the health of its roster. Last season, head coach Jim Hayford struggled to put a competitive team on the floor until late in the season when all key players were healthy. With the team really only losing Matej Kavas, they look like a team that could compete with Cal Baptist and Grand Canyon for second place in the conference.

Seattle U brings an incredibly experienced roster, with junior guard Terrell Brown being the only non-senior in the projected starting lineup. If Morgan Means, Delante Jones, Myles Carter and Brown can all remain healthy, Seattle should have one of the best offenses in the WAC.

For this game, the battle will likely be won or lost on the wings. Seattle may have an advantage at the point guard and center positions, but the two through four spots swing slightly in Washington State direction.

In the end, CJ Elleby is by far the best talent on the floor for this one and I fully expect him to announce himself early and lead Washington State to a narrow victory.

Prediction: Washington State 73 – Seattle U 68