UW rebounds with win over Houston Baptist

by: Griffin Bennett

Having picked up the pieces after the road loss to Saint Louis on Sunday, the coach Romar had the Dawgs back on track as they blew out the Houston Baptist Huskies after going on a 21-1 run in the first half.

The effort on the defensive and offensive end looked much improved. You could tell that Romar was preaching movement and effort as he pulled out Aziz and C.J. early after not liking what he saw from them. He even had a itchy trigger finger when it came to switching out Wroten and Gaddy when wither player made a mistake.

After a sloppy start to the game, the Husky defense tightened up and really drove HBU crazy with their length and speed. Huskies got their hands in the passing lanes and forced 21 turnovers while grabbing 13 steals. It looked like the swarming Husky defense that he saw against Portland.

The Dawgs went on a blistering 21-1 run late in the first half, which was due to great defense and getting hot from behind the arc. After that, the game was essentially over. The Huskies walked away with an 88-65 win.

Positives:

• Terrence Ross – Had one of the most quietly dominant performances that I can remember; 13 points, 13 rebounds, 4 blocks, and only 1 turnover. He did a great job crashing the boards and was very focused in on his defensive effort. He has greatness inside of him and I wish that he would assert himself more on the offensive end. He can create his own shot at will yet seems content passing the ball around.
• C.J. Wilcox – A team high 19 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, and one steal. He was 5 of 9 from three and was the elite shooting weapon that we all expect out of him. His success has become the sign that the Husky offense is working. Wilcox struggles when the UW offense becomes congested and thrives when they spread it out and drive and dish it.
• Martin Breunig – It looked like he is picking up the UW defense and was very active on that end tonight. His length and quickness allows him to switch off on almost any opponent and be able to defend them effectively. If he continues to improve on defense then he may become a very effective role player.
• Abdul Gaddy – He was incredible effective passing the ball tonight as he recorded 7 assists and only 1 turnover. He still looks a bit slow off of his first step and he struggled creating his own shot off of the dribble. I’m not sure if he’s hesitant or if it’s a lingering effect from the injury. Either way, his passing hasn’t suffered at all and he his calming effect on the offense really helps them succeed in the half-court.
• Tony Wroten – There are two Tony Wrotens. The good one is the active defender and rebounder who attacks the rim on offense and forces turnovers on defense. That Wroten had 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 steals. The other Wroten makes bad passes on offense as he looks for the flashy, one handed finishes. That Wroten notched 5 assists and 6 turnovers. I know that you can’t actually separate the two but overall, he’s a net positive on the court. He can make some head scratching plays but then will follow it up with a near-impossible one right after. You get the good with the bad and luckily there has been more good.
• Defending the rim – The Huskies did a much better job boxing out and attack the hoop from the post. They won the rebounding battle 51-40 and outscored HBU in points in the paint 40-22. While Houston Baptist isn’t a very big team, it’s still great to see.
• Desmond Simmons – I just love his game. He’s got a good shot from range and a motor that never stops. It’s hard not to like what he brings. As he gets more comfortable with the defense, he could really be something special. Tonight he had a career high in 10 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and no assists.

Negatives:

• Free Throws – It just doesn’t make sense. The Huskies were 10 of 21 shooting beyond the arc. They were also 10 of 21 from the free throw line. This is going to cost us a game this season. It’s just inevitable.
• Turnovers – 19 is just too damn high! Wroten was the main offender with six but the turnovers led to Houston Baptist outscoring UW in fast break points 20-14.

All in all, it was a great rebound game off of Sunday’s brutal loss. The overall effort looked much improved and some home cooking was just what the Huskies needed this Thanksgiving weekend. There are some tough road games coming up and those will be the true test. I think the team took a step forward today. Bow Down.