Murekatete shines for WSU

Washington State got double-doubles from redshirt senior Borislava Hristova and freshman Bella Murekatete en route to an 87-59 victory over UC Irvine on Sunday afternoon at Beasley Coliseum in Pullman.

Murekatete, from Genesis Prep Academy in Post Falls, totaled 15 points and 13 rebounds in 20 minutes in her first start with the Cougars (6-4).

“It’s exciting to see Bella score and impact the game the way she did,” WSU coach Kamie Ethridge said. “I hope this is a confidence builder for her and it makes her hungrier. She has a double-double in just 20 minutes of play, so it’s exciting to see that growth. She is a great personality and I’m thankful to have her in our program.”

Hrisitova recorded 19 points and 10 caroms for WSU.

UC Irvine dropped to 3-7.

Boise State 63, Eastern Washington 61: At Cheney, Braydey Hodgins made a layup with 2 seconds to go as the Broncos closed the game on a 12-2 run to beat the Eagles at Reese Court.

Grace Kirscher, a sophomore from Sandpoint High, scored 20 points for Eastern Washington, and her 3-pointer at the buzzer bounced three times, but didn’t fall through the net.

Rachel Bowers scored 19 points, Hodgins 17 for Boise State (8-4).

Kennedy Dickie and Jenna Dick each scored 15 points for Eastern Washington (1-6).

“Everything that happened in today’s game should give us confidence.,” EWU coach Wendy Schuller said. “Boise State is a team that will most likely win their conference again and has been a perennial NCAA tournament team. ... I told Grace that although the ball didn’t go in, she wanted to take the shot and I want players on my team who want to take that shot and are willing to put themselves on the line because that isn’t an easy thing to do. She knows that next time she will knock it down.”

South Florida 67, Idaho 64: At Tampa Fla., the Bulls (7-4) finished the game on an 8-0 run to defeat the Vandals, who led for more than 37 minutes.

Lizzy Klinker scored 15 points to lead Idaho (4-4), including a three-point play to put the Vandals up 64-59 with 3:20 left in the game.