Washington State advances to Great Alaska Shootout finals with 78-69 win over Nicholls State

Washington State beats Nicholls State 78-69

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Washington State advanced to the finals of the Great Alaska Shootout with a 78-69 win over Nicholls State on Friday.

Klay Thompson paced the Cougars (5-0) with 21 points. DeAngelo Casto had 18 points and 14 rebounds for Washington State, which trailed 31-29 at the break. Reggie Moore added 14 points and Marcus Capers had 10 for the Cougers.

Fred Hunter scored 25 to lead Nicholls State (0-7), which will play No. 25 Oklahoma for fifth place on Saturday.

Anatoly Bose scored 10 of his 16 points in the first half for the Colonels, and Maurice Foster finished with 11 points.

Washington State will play in Saturday’s final against San Diego (4-1), a 72-65 winner over Houston (2-2) in Friday’s late game.

The tournament is sponsored by Carrs/Safeway.