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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, January 21, 2008

Low carries Cougars over Oregon

By Nicholas K. Geranios
Associated Press Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Senior guard Derrick Low helped No. 8 Washington State end a 13-game skid to Oregon.

DEAN HARE | Associated Press

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PULLMAN, Wash. — Taylor Rochestie had missed every shot he took when he went to the free-throw line with 42 seconds left and No. 8 Washington State leading nemesis Oregon by just one point.

Rochestie sank both free throws and two more 18 seconds later to give Washington State the winning margin and 'Iolani alum Derrick Low scored 27 points in a 69-60 victory that broke a 13-game losing streak to the Ducks. The Cougars also climbed into a share of the Pacific-10 lead with UCLA and Arizona State.

"I just wanted a good chance to redeem myself," said Rochestie, who was 0 of 5 from the field.

It was a night of redemption for this entire Washington State team, which had broken so many futility streaks in recent years. But no WSU team had beaten Oregon since 2001, perhaps the last major blemish for WSU (16-1, 4-1 Pac-10).

"I just wanted to get one win before I graduate, at least," said Low, a senior, who was 10 of 16 from the field.

For most of the game, it looked like Oregon (12-6, 3-3) was going to win again. The Ducks bolted to a 17-6 lead, and led 34-30 at halftime. But they shot just 36 percent in the second half, while WSU was making 52 percent.

"I said, 'Settle down, get back in the game,' " WSU coach Tony Bennett recalled.

Kyle Weaver's layup gave WSU a 60-59 lead with 59 seconds left.

Washington State, the nation's top defensive team at 52 points per game, held Oregon 21 points below its average.

"We had an amazing win streak," Oregon coach Ernie Kent said. "At some point it's going to end."

Low made nine of his last 11 field-goal attempts and scored 18 points in the second half.

Weaver had 16 points, eight assists and six rebounds for Washington State.