The University of Washington’s men’s basketball team has secured their spot in the 2019 NCAA tournament after an impressive 68-48 win against Colorado in the Pac-12 quarterfinals.
The Huskies finished the regular season with a 26-7 record and were already considered a lock for the tournament, but the domination over a strong Colorado team cemented their seed and potential for success.
The game began as a defensive battle, with neither team able to get in a rhythm and take an early lead. However, the Huskies’ defense proved too strong for the Buffaloes, holding them to just 26% shooting from the field in the first half. On the flip side, Washington’s offense began to find its groove as they took a 32-20 lead into halftime.
The second half saw more of the same as the Huskies continued to stifle Colorado’s offense with their physical defense and sharp ball movement on offense. Senior guard David Crisp was a standout player for Washington, leading the team with 17 points and three steals. Sophomore forward Nahziah Carter also contributed to the win with 13 points and six rebounds.
The victory not only secured the Huskies’ spot in the NCAA tournament, but also marked head coach Mike Hopkins’ first postseason win with the team. Hopkins, who was named Pac-12 Coach of the Year, has turned the program around in just two short years after taking over for longtime coach Lorenzo Romar.
With their strong defense and balanced scoring attack, the Huskies look poised to make a deep run in the tournament. They will likely be seeded in the 4-6 range, but could prove to be a dangerous team come March Madness.
Washington’s success this season has been a result of their teamwork and commitment to Hopkins’ “2-3 zone” defense. The team has embraced the system and has bought into the idea that their success on defense will lead to success on offense.
The Huskies’ next challenge will come in the Pac-12 semifinals where they will face a tough Oregon team. But with their impressive win over Colorado, the Huskies have shown that they are more than capable of handling the pressure that comes with postseason play.
Overall, Washington’s secure spot in the NCAA tournament is well-deserved, and fans can look forward to seeing this team’s potential unfold on the national stage.