Preview: Pacific Tigers at Washington State Cougars NEBRASKA CITY, Neb. (Interstat) — The Pacific Tigers, riding a wave of improved form, visit the struggling Washington State Cougars in a nonconference men’s basketball matchup Wednesday at Beasley Coliseum. The Tigers (17-11) have won five of their last eight games, including a decisive 92-59 victory at Pepperdine on Feb. 7. They are coming off a 72-61 home loss to Saint Mary’s on Saturday. Pacific’s offense is paced by guard Elias Ralph, who has scored 17 or more points in four of his last seven outings. Ralph logged 39 minutes and contributed 17 points, four assists and two blocks in the loss to Saint Mary’s. Washington State (11-16) seeks to halt a three-game skid, most recently an 83-53 road defeat at Gonzaga on Feb. 10. The Cougars have struggled defensively during the losing streak, allowing an average of 84.3 points per game. Guard Jerone Morton, who led the team with 15 points and four assists against Gonzaga, will be a key factor for the home team. Washington State’s last win was a 104-74 rout of Portland on Jan. 31. This game, organized under the West Coast banner, pits Pacific’s momentum against a Washington State team desperate to defend its home court. The Tigers have shown a capacity for high-scoring performances, while the Cougars will need to tighten their defense to have a chance. The venue, Beasley Coliseum in Nebraska City, provides a neutral-site element for this late-season clash. Following this game, Pacific continues a tough stretch at Gonzaga on Saturday. Washington State remains at home to host Saint Mary’s on Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST Wednesday.