WSU campus briefs

MEN'S BASKETBALL: The 2009-10 edition of the Wildcats had its official unveiling in the annual Purple/White Intra-Squad game held Thursday night inside the Dee Events Center. For the record, the White Team won 56-42 in 25 minute controlled scrimmage.

Coach Randy Rahe and his staff divided the team up, then switched players around with many of them playing on both sides.

"We treated this like a real game," said Rahe. "We had an afternoon shoot around and pre-game meal and it gave our newcomers a taste of what is in store. Everyone played with a lot of enthusiasm.

Sometimes when you turn on the lights and have people in the stands, the players play different, but tonight they played just as hard as they been playing in practice and I was glad to see that happen."

Damian Lillard (6-2, 185 So. Guard) showed why he was named the 2008-09 Big Sky Conference Freshman of the Year and First Team all-league. Playing for the White Team he hit 7-8 from the field including a perfect 4-4 from the three-point line, scoring 18 points. He was 3-4 from the field on the Purple Team, 1-2 from the three-point line for nine points. All told he was 10-12 from the field and 4-6 from the arc, scoring 27 points including 2-2 from the line.

"Damian showed some great leadership on the floor tonight," Rahe said. "He's matured way beyond his years physically, mentally and emotionally. He's going to be a very, very good player for us this season."

Steve Panos (6-8, 245 Sr. Center) hit 6-10 shots from the floor and 2-3 from the line for 14 points and added six rebounds while playing for both teams.

Rahe said he's impressed with his newcomers. Josh Noble (6-2, 190 Jr. G/F), a transfer from Snead State JC in Tuscaloosa, Alabama had eight points and three assists. Franklin Session (6-2, 175 Jr. Forward) had nine points. Lindsey Hughey (6-3, 200 Jr. Guard) had five points and four assists. Rahe said Hughey is learning both guard positions and is still trying to sort things out.

Collectively, the two team hit 38-69 shots from th field, 13-32 from the arc and committed just 15 total turnovers.

The Wildcats open up their exhibition game season this coming Monday, November 2 at home vs. The University of Colorado-Colorado Springs at 7:05 p.m. (MST) in the Dee Events Center. The Wildcats also have an exhibition game on Saturday, November 7 at home vs. Colorado Christian College before opening up the 2009-10 season on Friday, Nov. 13 hosting instate rival Utah State in a 7:35 p.m. tipoff inside the Dee Events Center.