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Washington State Wallops Winthrop

Pac-10 champs roll over Eagles to advance

By Jamie Buss,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 20, 2008 11:29 PM CDT
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(Newser) – It was all-square at halftime between Washington State and Winthrop in the NCAA first round.  The Cougars then ran away with the game, walloping the No. 13 seed Eagles, a popular upset choice in office pools, 71-40. A 25-1 run by Washington State put to rest any hopes of an upset for Winthrop, as they finish their season 22-12. Taj McCullough led the Big South champs with 17 points, reports the AP.

Washington State has enjoyed proving critics wrong in recent years. They improved to 51-16 overall under coach Tony Bennett, who claimed the job from his father two seasons ago, and celebrated back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time in almost 60 years. Center Aron Baynes went 9-for-9 from the field and scored 19 points for the Cougars – three of them dunks.

Winthrop forward Taj McCullough dunks against Washington State during the second half in the first round of the East Regional NCAA basketball game today. Washington State beat Winthrop 71-40.
Winthrop forward Taj McCullough dunks against Washington State during the second half in the first round of the East Regional NCAA basketball game today. Washington State beat Winthrop 71-40.   (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Winthrop forward Taj McCullough, right, comes in to cover Washington State forward Robbie Cowgill as he pulls down a rebound during their first-round NCAA East Regional basketball game today.
Winthrop forward Taj McCullough, right, comes in to cover Washington State forward Robbie Cowgill as he pulls down a rebound during their first-round NCAA East Regional basketball game today.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Washington State head coach Tony Bennett talks to his team during the second half of the first round of a South Regional NCAA basketball game against Winthrop today. WSU beat Winthrop 71-40.
Washington State head coach Tony Bennett talks to his team during the second half of the first round of a South Regional NCAA basketball game against Winthrop today. WSU beat Winthrop 71-40.   (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
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Box score
ESPN

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Washington State Cougars • Aron Baynes • Winthrop Eagles • Taj McCullough • Tony Bennett

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