COL BKB: Washington St. 71, Winthrop 40

DENVER, March 20 (UPI) -- Aron Baynes helped touch off a second-half onslaught Thursday that lifted Washington State past Winthrop 71-40 in the NCAA Tournament's East Region.

The game was tied at the half, but Washington State limited Winthrop to 11 points in the second period. It took the Eagles almost seven minutes to produce their first points of the second half.

Baynes scored 19 points and both Robbie Cowgill and Kyle Weaver had 14 for the Cougars (25-8).

Winthrop was led by Taj McCullough with 17 points and eight rebounds.

Winthrop (22-12) had been trying for its second upset in as many years at the NCAA Tournament. In the opening round last year, the Eagles shocked Notre Dame.

The Cougars shot 59 percent from the floor, with Baynes making all nine of his attempts and Cowgill hitting six of nine.

Winthrop was limited to 16 field goals in 52 attempts.