How to catch Washington Basketball (6-2) at 2nd ranked Kansas (7-0)
By Bret Stuter
After a coaching shakeup and recruiting miracles, Coach Mike Hopkins has the Washington Basketball team (6-2) facing the nation’s second ranked Kansas (7-0)
The Washington Basketball team has six wins already. Last season, the team needed two more weeks to record win number six, a December 20th contest against Cal Poly. That team would win just three more times. But this season feels different, as though the team is already more competitive. But the true test of just how good this basketball team truly comes down to competition. That measure happens tonight. On December 6, 2017, the Washington Huskies face the nation’s second ranked Kansas Jayhawks. That game will be televised tonight at 6:00 p.m. PT on ESPN.
On one hand, few expect Washington to offer much resistance. The Jayhawks just defeated the Syracuse Orange 76-60 on December 2, and the Washington scheme is a derivative of Syracuse’s 2-3 zone. In that contest, Syracuse only bettered Kansas in rebounding and steals. Shooting accuracy, scoring, assists and blocks all skewed very favorably to Kansas’ favor. On the other hand, Washington is a brand new opponent. Here are the highlights from the Syracuse Kansas contest:
Watch the film
But the Washington Huskies have a benefit of seeing how Syracuse struggled, and can anticipate ways to overcome the unique challenges of the Kansas Jayhawks. Kansas was led by the scoring of senior guard Devonte’ Graham (38 points) and junior guard Lagerald Vick (20 points).
Syracuse shot a paltry 32.1 percent from the floor, 69.2 percent from the foul line and just 22.2 percent from the perimeter in the contest. That ineffectiveness kept Syracuse trailing nearly the entire game, past the 11 minute mark in the first half.
Washington can keep it close
The Washington average for field goals is 46.2 percent, 72.3 percent on free throws, and 32.3 percent from three-point range. The key to the game tonight will be the accuracy of Jaylen Nowell (52.0 percent FG%) and Noah Dickerson (67.2 percent FG%). If they shoot at or better than their averages, Washington has a chance to keep this one close.
Kansas has a height advantage. The Jayhawks have six players who stand 6-foot-8 or taller, including 7-foot-0 center Udoka Azubuike. Washington must counter with 6-foot-11 Sam Timmins. Timmins has been steadily improving his shooting, scoring 13 points against Kennesaw State. The team will also need A-games from both Nowell and Dickerson to have a chance.
Washington can win this one if they play nearly flawless basketball
The Huskies must manufacture a stingy defense, drawing fouls, and taking shots with clean looks to have a chance in this one. Syracuse averages 72 points per game. So far, Washington averages 81 points. Syracuse averages surrendering 62 points per game, Washington averages surrendering 79 points.
The Huskies were trounced in a similar type contest against Virginia Tech 103-79. In that game, the Hokies shot a phenomenal 15-22 from the perimeter for a 68.2 percent rate. Conversely, the Huskies shot an abysmal 27.8 percent from the perimeter. But perhaps that lesson can fuel the Huskies tonight.
Next: Patience will return UW basketball to prominence
Washington – Kansas game time, details:
Date: Wednesday,December 6, 2017
Time: 6:00 p.m. PT
Location: Sprint Center, Kansas City, MO
What TV channel is Washington – Kansas game on?
The Washington vs. Kansas game is televised via ESPN2.
How can I watch Washington – Kansas online?
The Washington vs. Kansas game will stream on ESPN online by cable or satellite subscription, or via the ESPN APP on your tablet, iphone, Android, or other mobile device.
Will the Washington – Kansas game be broadcast via the radio?
The Washington vs. Kansas will make the radio on either 1000 KOMO-AM or 97.7 KOMO-FM in the Seattle area, or on the Sirius Satellite Radio channel 98.