BY TODD DYBAS / SEATTLESPORTSONLINE.COM

The seven-game losing streak is now over.

Washington went into Pullman Saturday and used pressure defense, accurate 3-point shooting and dominant rebounding to pound down Washington State, 68-48. It was the Huskies' first win in Pullman since 2005.

It was Washington's eighth consecutive win, and the first loss for Washington State coach Tony Bennett against the Huskies, dropping the younger Bennett to 5-1.

Justin Dentmon went 4-for-4 from behind the 3-point line, Isaiah Thomas was an efficient scorer early in the game and Quincy Pondexter had a wonderful all-around game.

Concerns about Washington State's defensive approach of clogging the lane were validated at the game's beginning, only two points scored by Washington in the first five minutes.

Washington (10-3) settled down, approaching the vacancies in the Cougars' defense. An early midrange jumper by Pondexter was a positive sign of things to come, Pondexter and the Huskies' other shooters able to convert from the spaces Washington State forced them to.

The Cougars didn't help themselves, missing several open shots. Washington State made only two 3-point shots, one of which came after the game decided. the Cougars shot 41 percent for the game. Taylor Rochestie led them with 12 points.

For Pondexter, this was a display of his versatility. He powered shots into the middle. Hit midrange jumpshots. Passed well, defended hard, rebounded strong. The junior even was loose at the end to slam in a pass off the backboard by Dentmon on the break. It was a showboat moment for a team that was up 20 points. Pondexter finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.

More to come.

Todd Dybas is the editor of Seattlesportsonline.com. He can be reached via e-mail at tdybas@seattlesportsonline.com