Huskies Almost Lose In “Ugly” Fashion to Duke 86-80

The Washington Huskies lost to Duke 86-80 in a game where the box score doesn’t tell the whole story. The Huskies came out flat and played most of the first half without much in terms of a field goal. The first two points came on Tony Wroten free throws. UW went 0 from 8 from the field to start the game and that was just a sign of things to come for the majority of the game.

However, UW clawed back towards the end of the second half and cut the Duke lead to 7, at one point. Wroten was absolutely instrumental in helping the Huskies get back into the game. He was HUGE for the Dawgs down the stretch.

At the beginning of the game, the Huskies missed some open threes, missed a couple layups/dunks, plenty of free-throws, and just struggled long enough for Duke to take a comfortable lead and carry that lead for the majority of the game. At half the Huskies were down 40-26 and were able to go on a few big runs to keep the game within reach but were never able to eclipse Duke.

You can see the box score here.

Negative Notes:

• There still seems to be no one that wants to take the leadership role. It is almost like they are all waiting for someone else to do it. Wroten is clearly the only one willing and maybe even capable of stepping up in that capacity. At the end of the game, he put UW on his back and carried them to the point where they felt they had a shot at Duke. It was very Isaiah Thomas like of Wroten.
• UW wasn’t able to secure a lot of long rebounds. Which was a stat that UW had the edge in against Duke before this game.
• Aziz N’Diaye went down with a knee sprain in the 3rd quarter.
• UW recored 0 blocks, a team that was averaging about 8 a game before facing Duke.
• The Huskies had troubles getting the ball in bounds on multiple occasions. They need to have better plays than the inbounds plays they are currently running.
• Free Throws. 13 for 23. UW’s best free throw shooter on the day was Tony Wroten who went 6-8 (Darnell Gant went 2-3).

Positive Notes:

• UW showed they can make sizable runs when they are down in games.
• The Huskies are seeing a lot more out of Wroten. He still had 5 turnovers but he carried this team late in the game. The turnover problem will solve itself. He has a high basketball IQ and hates to lose, he will work on taking better care of the ball but it may take time.
• Wroten had 23 points, went 6-8 from F/T, 5 rebounds, and a steal.
• Huskies showed they can play without their big 7 footer, N’Diaye, if needed. In fact, many may argue that they played better and faster.
• There is tons of talent on this team, yet they still haven’t been able to piece it all together.
• Terrence Ross had a few more highlight reel plays but he needs to be willing to play confident for the full 40 minutes.
• The Huskies were able to get many fouls called against them, they were able to draw contact and get to the line. This is an important step for the Dawgs this season.

Any other thoughts?