WSU falls 72-71 to Duquesne in final moments

Washington State is 0-3 after Duquesne edged the Cougars 72-71 Tuesday evening. WSU controlled the game for 34 minutes, 38 seconds and led by as many as 11, but the Dukes finished with an 11-5 surge. Duquesne moved ahead when Kerem Konan’s basket and free throw made it 72-71 with 12 seconds remaining. Lazerek Houston then missed a running floater as Washington State’s last attempt.

The loss is WSU’s first season-opening three-game skid since 1964. Jaylen Harrell scored 19 points, Houston had 12 and Tyler Kropp added 10. Washington State’s second-half issues included 14 fouls, seven surrendered offensive rebounds and nine turnovers. Duquesne made 15 of 19 free throws after halftime, turned its offensive boards into 11 second-chance points and scored 14 points from turnovers. The Cougars also allowed 40 points in the paint and Duquesne shot 52% after halftime.

Ronnie Harrison returned after missing the first two games because of an ankle injury, but he left Tuesday’s game with about 3½ minutes remaining after appearing to hurt that ankle again. He finished with six points and five rebounds in 22 minutes. Washington State will host Division II Northwest at 10 a.m. Saturday, then play Hawaii at a neutral site. Coach David Riley said the team is improving but must respond better when games turn difficult.