Washington Basketball downs 25th ranked ASU 68-64

The Washington Basketball team continues to show up big in big games, handing 25th ranked Arizona State their sixth conference defeat 68-64

Are you ready for this? The Washington Basketball team, coming off a 9-22 season a year ago, have already ensured a .500 season. And the team did not do it against a weak opponent, but rather against 25th ranked Arizona State University. And they did it the Coach Hopkins way, they held the Sun Devils to a season low 64 points.

Defense? A winning Washington team?  Yes, Huskies, it’s not a dream. Or maybe it is. On Noah Dickerson‘s birthday, he delivered a 21 point 16 rebound effort to lead all scorers on the night. Jaylen Nowell followed closely behind with 15 points and 9 rebounds. Matisse Thybulle continues his campaign to be noticed by the NBA as a “three and D” with  a 50 percent shooting from the perimeter as well as six steals, bringing his season total to 70.

Pac-12 Cinderella team?

While the contest ended with a slim four point margin, the first half was anything but close. Washington led by as much as 13 points in the first half, riding the strength of a hot shooting Noah Dickerson in the paint. He led all of the scorers nearly the entire night, heading into halftime with 13 points and 11 rebounds.

After the half, the Sun Devils went on an 8-0 run to tie it up, and then took the lead 51-50. ASU enjoyed their last lead on a Shannon Evans three-point shot. But from that point on, Noah Dickerson and Jaylen Nowell took over on offense. Each time the Sun Devils tried to come back, Washington answered back.

The win propels the now 16-6 Washington Huskies into the discussions for an opportunity to play in the NCAA tournament. They are 6-3 in Pac-12 conference play, and are on a three game winning streak. They must now prepare to face the ninth ranked Arizona Wildcats at home on Saturday, February 3rd.  For the moment, the Wildcats are 9-1 in Pac-12 conference play, and 19-4 overall.

Next: Washington Basketball team defeats Cal to improve to 3-1 in Pac-12

Regardless of how the Huskies do for the remainder of this season, the Huskies will no worse than .500 this year.  And in a game showcasing some of the best players in the Pac-12, Noah Dickerson, Jaylen Nowell, and Matisse Thybulle stole the show. Now at 16-6 overall and at 6-3 in Pac-12 conference play, these Washington Huskies are in play for the big dance.

What a difference a year makes.