Iroegbu, Hawkinson lead Cougars in Italy

COMO, Italy — Seniors Ike Iroegbu and Josh Hawkinson each recorded a double-double, led by Iroegbu’s game-high 29 points, as the Washington State men’s basketball team defeated BC Silute out of Lithuania, 105-92 on Friday in exhibition action as part of the Cougars’ foreign tour to Italy.

The Cougars are to 3-1 on the tour.

Iroegbu had 29 points, 10 assists and 7 rebounds for Washington State, while shooting 7-for-10 from the field and 14-for-15 from the 3-point line. Hawkinson added 24 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocked shots as he was 11-for-20 from the field. He’s recorded a double-double in each of the last three games.

Three other Cougars scored in double figures as redshirt senior Conor Clifford and junior Derrien King each had 13 points and freshman Malachi Flynn added 11. Flynn added seven assists and four steals.

BC Silute opened the second half with a 9-0 run to tie the game at 54 with just under 8 minutes to go in the third quarter.

Washington State quickly countered and distanced itself at the end of the third quarter, taking a 9-point lead, once again, 82-73, heading into the fourth quarter.

The Cougars conclude their tour of Italy with today’s game against All-Star Loca Ubriaca 11:30 a.m. PDT, before heading back to the United States on Sunday.