What UW Needs To Do To Beat WSU
By Mark Knight
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Washington State (19-11, 9-9) vs. Washington Huskies (20-10, 11-7)
Stars: G Klay Thompson and F DeAngelo Casto
Location: Los Angeles, CA (Staples Center)
Time: 8:30 PM (PDT)
TV: FSN
Radio: 950 AM
Matchup: The Huskies need to not give this game away, in the two previous games they have played against WSU they have self-destructed. In the first game UW had 24 turnovers to WSU’s 12. In the second game UW only had 16 to WSU’s 14 but the Huskies went 23-68 from the field. They let WSU go 32-36 from the free throw line and overall couldn’t stay out of foul trouble. The Dawgs have allowed the Cougars to win both games, they aren’t able to execute and hold onto the ball.
This game is going to be even more of a test with Venoy Overton suspended for the entire PAC-10 tournament. Justin Holiday will also either be out or limited in action after suffering an concussion in their last game against USC. Isaiah Thomas will be the only scholarship point guard on the roster with Antoine Hosley as the only other listed. CJ Wilcox has played a little point guard in high school but look for Isaiah Thomas to be playing a lot of minutes.
For the Cougars, Klay Thompson will be coming back from his suspension and Reggie Moore should play after spraining his ankle.
Arizona State proved that it is hard to beat a team three times in one season, especially a team that is better on paper. As ASU lost to Oregon yesterday in the first round of the PAC-10 tournament. WSU is trying to beat UW for its third time this year, and UW is hoping to not let that happen.
Keys to Success for the Huskies:
- Stay away from foul trouble, especially for Isaiah Thomas
- Turnovers- The Huskies need to control the ball on their side and create turnovers on the other side
- Freshman Step It Up- CJ Wilcox, Terrence Ross, and possibly even Antoine Hosley could have a significant role in this game. The freshman need to help lift their team and show not only why they are the future for the Huskies but are the NOW.