KENNEWICK, Wash. (AP) Josh Hawkinson and freshman Malachi Flynn each scored 18 points to help Washington State beat Division II Central Washington 81-76 on Tuesday night.
Washington State was behind 42-36 at halftime but Ike Iroegbu scored 14 of his 15 points in the second half to help hold off the Wildcats. The Cougars took a 55-53 lead with just under 12 minutes left on Iroegbu's basket and they never trailed again.
Hawkinson grabbed 12 rebounds for his 42nd career double-double but the Cougars (2-0) were outrebounded 42-35. Flynn, playing in his second game at point guard, turned it over just once in 32 minutes.
Washington State made 27 of 54 shots (50 percent) but hit just 4 of 14 from 3-point range.
Dom Hunter made four 3-pointers and scored 26 points for Central Washington. He was 9 of 24 from the floor. Naim Ladd and Fuquan Niles added 12 points apiece.
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