Huskies Humiliated at Home by South Dakota State 92-73

UW’s 32 home non-conference game winning streak came to an end today as South Dakota State out played the Huskies for 40 minutes. UW trailed the whole game and at one point was down by 22 points. UW was not able to ever dig themselves out of the hole they created for themselves.

There was so much that didn’t go right for the Huskies in this game.

• They couldn’t stop the shooters from South Dakota State. The Jack Rabbits shot 59% from the field in the first half and was 10-16 from 3.
• UW couldn’t contain Nate Wolters who came in averaging over 20 points a game and scored 32 in this one. He went 13-15 from the free-throw line.
• Terrence Ross fouled out with 12 minutes left in the game but even before this was ineffective all game.
• The Huskies defense looked unable to contain on the perimeter BUT also against the penetration.
• UW looked lost on the offensive end. They were 5-18 from 3 and only shot 41% from the field.
• They lacked fundamentals and South Dakota was full of fundamentals.
• CJ Wilcox couldn’t make a shot to save his life. A shooter who is considered automatic shot only 4-15 from the field and 2-6 from 3 points. He needed to step up big when Ross went out but couldn’t find his touch.

There wasn’t a lot of positives to take from this game but there are a few that I noticed:

• Tony Wroten had his third straight 20+ point game. He is really coming into form. He still needs to work on his free-throws- however, he was the only one out there really taking it to South Dakota.
• Darnell Gant had a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. This is a good step forward for Gant as he is the only senior (on scholarship).
• UW did out rebound the Jack Rabbits without Aziz N’diaye but it didn’t matter because South Dakota State didn’t leave much to be rebounded.

This Husky team that showed up today and was on the court in this game looks lucky to make the NIT much less the NCAA tournament. HOWEVER, the talent on the team has shown they can hang with teams like Marquette and take them to the final basket. A lot will have to happen in the Pac-12 season and in the Pac-12 tournament for UW to find a way onto a NCAA bracket but the talent is there if they can piece it all together.

This is all for now but would love to hear your thoughts below.