Washington State 72, Portland 60: Brock Motum registered a season-high 29 points as the Cougars took a big early lead and responded to every rally by the visiting Pilots.

Royce Woolridge rebounded from a 0-of-8 shooting performance from the field against Idaho on Wednesday to score a career-high 20 points for Washington State (5-3), making 3-of-5 from behind the 3-point arc. The Cougars also dominated inside, outrebounding Portland 45-27.

Ryan Nicholas led the way with 17 points and nine rebounds for Portland (3-4), which is winless in four road games this season. The Pilots made 11-of-25 from 3-point range.

Washington State used a 19-3 run to push its lead as high as 16 in the first half. Portland responded by making five 3-pointers in the opening 20 minutes to close the gap to 33-23 at halftime. Motum led all scorers with 12 at the break.

Portland climbed within 36-30 early in the second half, but Motum and Woolridge led another charge to give the Cougars a comfortable cushion. Washington State, 5-0 at home, led by as much as 24.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Washington State sophomore G DaVonte Lacy missed his fourth straight game with a knee injury. It’s possible he could return against No. 12 Gonzaga on Wednesday. … Portland took 25 shots in the first half, 14 from beyond the 3-point arc. … The Cougars have beaten the Pilots six straight times and lead the series 12-2.