<p><p>Improved depth is expected to be a strength for the 24th-ranked Washington State women’s basketball team this season.</p></p><p><p>It showed in the Cougars’ season opener on Monday.</p></p><p><p>With star guard Charlisse Walker-Leger struggling offensively, WSU got 18 points from Bella Murekatete – one of five players in double figures – in a 78-61 victory over Cal Poly at Beasley Coliseum.</p></p><p><p>Idaho transfer Beyonce Bea added 11 points, nine rebounds and five blocks in her WSU debut. </p></p><p><p>Jenna Villa had 12 points, all on 3-pointers, Tara Wallack had 11 points and Astera Tuhina 10 for the Cougars, who trailed 34-31 at halftime.</p></p><p><p>Cal Poly led 41-40 before Leger-Walker’s layup with 6:09 left in the third quarter keyed a 14-0 burst to put WSU up 54-41. The Mustangs never got closer than eight the rest of the way.</p></p><p><p>Leger-Walker was just 2-of-10 shooting, but added nine assists and eight rebounds.</p></p><p><h3>Idaho wins opener</h3></p><p><p>Kennedy Johnson scored 18 points and the Vandals used a big third quarter to pull away from Walla Walla 92-50 in Moscow.</p></p><p><p>Leading 41-34 at the half, Idaho outscored the Wolves 35-6 in the third. </p></p><p><p>Aspen Caldwell added 13 points off the bench for UI.</p></p>
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