Ted S. Warren / AP
The Washington Huskies (6-5, 16-7 overall) defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils (6-5, 16-8 overall), 79-56, on Saturday night at Hec Ed.
The basics:
The Huskies again were downright dominating at home. This one was over early, as the Huskies built a 27-7 advantage, and led 42-25 at halftime.
The Huskies managed to dismantle Arizona’s seventh-in-the-nation defense without even shooting the lights out (43.1% FG, 4-15 3-pt. FG) on a night when it felt like every roll went the Dawgs way.
Isaiah Thomas had a bounce-back game, finishing with 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists and only one turnover.
The Huskies moved into a five-way tie for second place in the conference, and will get a shot Thursday night against Cal to earn a share of the conference lead.
Here’s some more thoughts on this game and beyond:
Quincy Pondexter had an absolutely sick move, where he drove on a break, and got hammered by two Sun Devil. As he skidded to the floor, he flicked the ball to the high part of the glass, and it banked it. With respect to Clarence Trent’s dunk last week, Q-Pon now owns the move of the year.
Quincy put up 17 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. And, other than “the move,” he did it so quietly that for the next 48 hours most people who watched the game won’t even think about how good he was. Then on Monday, he’ll win Pac-10 Player of the Week. . . again.
It really is amazing how much better the team looks when Thomas embraces his underrated passing skills. The team is 8-1 in games in which I.T. has three or more assists.
Matthew Bryan-Amaning had a productive game (12 points, nine boards, two blocks). It looked early like he was taking a little more time in the post, really working to get a good look, and they weren’t falling. Then, he started getting some rolls in the second half.
MBA’s nine boards tied his career-high in a Pac-10 game.
Other than a Husky win, I got what I wanted most out of the game: Venoy Overton shut down Derek Glasser tonight, clearly sending the message: “I’m your daddy.” And, in case there was any doubt, the Dawg Pack helped clear things up.
Looking for a turning point in the Huskies’ season? Since moving Justin Holiday into the starting lineup, the team is 6-2, winning by an average of 25 points. And, one of the two losses was by a single point.
Speaking of Holiday (seven points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals, one block), he’s a pretty terrific rebounder. And, it’s all through hustle. Imagine what he could do if he weighed more than 105 pounds.
I know, I know. He was out of action for so long. He’s not at full strength. Blah. Blah. Blah. It’s not like Tyreese Breshers hasn’t played organized ball before. How is it that he can’t play defense without fouling? He’s 10th on the team in minutes played, but running a close second in personal fouls (67) to Venoy Overton (72). Unacceptable. And, what’s even more unacceptable? Not looking nearly pissed off enough at himself for doing it.
Scott Suggs has gone from being the one guy I didn’t ever want on the court to one of my favorite Huskies to watch. I’m truly proud of how he’s stepped up. Ever notice, even when he misses, his shot always looks like it’s going in? Can’t say that about Elston Turner.
And now, after all this drama, the Huskies are one big win away from being back on top of the conference. I want so badly not to believe in these guys, because every time they go on the road, they rip my heart out. But, I believe. I do believe.
Thanks for coming!
Tags: Arizona State, Post-game story
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I still don’t get why everyone is all over the Suggs’ bandwagon while completely abandoning ET. I like Suggs, don’t get me wrong – but I feel like ET isn’t getting nearly as much credit/playing time as he deserves. For being SUCH A BETTER SHOOTER, as everyone claims, Suggs is shooting 38% from the field while ET is shooting 37%. However, ET is leading suggs in nearly every other category – better rebounder, fewer turns, fewer fouls, better assist to turn ratio. Even look at the steal that suggs got yesterday, before he missed the layup…it was actually ET who poked the ball away.
I’m not saying that Suggs shouldn’t get minutes, because he should. I just think it’s odd that Suggs has been getting significantly more PT that ET for no apparent reason. ET is a shooter who needs confidence, something that will not come until he feels comfortable on the court. And for my money, I would love to see them together more often to stretch the defense a little (because they are our ONLY two shooters on the roster) which should give more lanes to IT.
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I’ll take a shot at a reply, Spencer, with the understanding that I too like both Suggs and Turner. In fact I would go so far as saying that I think the Turner/Suggs combo could be, at a later date, superior to the IT/Overton duo. The reason is simply taking better care of the ball. Both Overton and Thomas can have the 5 and 6 turnover games that kill you while both ET and Suggs take care of the ball and both are good passers.
As to why Suggs with more pt than ET, we can first look at the 3 point percentages- Suggs 38.5% and Turner 33.3(up from the 20s). I think Romar is specifically looking for the three ball threat and Suggs has been superior so far this year. IMO Suggs also has a better year in 3ball shot selection as Turner has forced up a few.
I do think ET is better on the boards as Suggs still avoids contact as evidence his breakaway yesterday which was tentative.
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There is one other thing I really like about Suggs and that is his quiet determination and intensity. Occasionaly it surfaces during a game as it did yesterday with the sideline play. I much prefer the understated to the over the top. IMO Brockman epitomizes that type of player.
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I see your point. And you’re right, ET has been forcing quite a few shots this season (which frustrates me to no end) while Suggs shots seem to come a little more in the flow of the offense. I wonder, though, if ET forcing shots is in response to his dwindling playing time. I mean, he played a good deal last year and then was in contention for a starting spot earlier this year after being labeled our teams ‘best shooter.’ However, as his playing time falls, I wonder if he feels as though he needs to prove his ‘worth’ from behind the arch before he gets the hook from Romar.
There have been numerous times this year that his appearances only last a few moments and I think that if he doesn’t hit a big three in the four or five offensive possesions that he gets on the court then everyone, including himself, will label it a failed rotation. I think its hard for shooters to come off the bench and light it up in just a few minutes but I fee like he is forcing shots to try and prove something in the little time he has.
Anyway, I will say that Holiay – whom I used to consider an offensive liability – has slowly come around from JUST a defensive player. Although I still dont’ think I want him putting up ten shots a game…
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I must say I was impressed with the play of MBA last night. The guy actually went for it and played like a big man. I didn’t mind that he missed some shots I was just excited when he made a post move and tried for the hook shot rather than make 6 moves, double pump and then miss. I saw him play with some passion he hasn’t had before. He has to continue to step up and play mad and tough…get pissed MBA; take it to the hoop, dunk on the big man. I think his play inside helped keep the outside open for some ET and Suggs shooting which we will continue to need as the year moves on. Go Dawgs…Beat Cal.
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Agree with all you say and will add that Holiday’s offensive contributions are not usually points but he is a truly excellent passer and the same on the offensive boards. He obviously needs some polish wrt his jumper but not a total offensive liability.
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I think Tyreese also leads the team in BS fouls. I think the stripes call a lot of fouls because of how physical he is. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen him straight up and someone get a foul called against him. He seemed pissed about it earlier now, but now he has a surprised look on his face when he doesn’t get called for a foul when someone shoots.
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Holiday makes this team better in so many ways. I have never seen a college player be so important to his team without being a scoring threat. He is a very competent rebounder, a lockdown defender, and is the best passer on the team. At 6′ 6” its incredible how long he is…his body reminds me of Kevin Durant (although his shot does not resemble Durants at ALL.)
Bottom line, he takes away the best player on the opposing team every game, he makes our offense run effectively in the half-court, and he if Quincy is Batman on the offensive boards, then Holiday is Robin.
I am starting to believe in this team again, too, MM.
Lets just beat Cal. Please, Huskies…play like you are at home!
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