The hoops version of the Apple Cup is unrecognizable these days.

Washington and Washington State have been playing against each other since 1910 and have matched up in 301 games, which is one of the oldest and most played series in men’s college basketball.

In front of 7,011 fans at Alaska Airlines Arena, the two teams met once again Sunday afternoon, and the Huskies lost 84-80 in an exhibition in a rivalry that used to mean something.

“Rivalries in college basketball, it’s tough,” said former Husky star Isaiah Thomas who watched from stands below his No. 2 jersey, which hangs in the rafters. “It’s a different time, day and age.”

The 37-year-old Thomas talked to the Huskies before the game and tried to explain the importance of the UW-WSU rivalry to a team comprised of 12 newcomers born outside of the state, including five international players.

“It’s just human nature if you’re not from here to be a little clueless about the Apple Cup and what that really means,” Thomas said.…