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.
21 points.
— Washington Men's Basketball (@UW_MBB) February 2, 2018
16 rebounds.
Noah Dickerson.
On his birthday.#TougherTogether pic.twitter.com/MjnH1C9MZK
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.
Watch: Mike Hopkins Postgame Press Conference (Arizona State)#TougherTogether https://t.co/XUl5xDd5SQ
— Washington Men's Basketball (@UW_MBB) February 2, 2018
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.