Washington defeats Utah 74-65
Washington Edges Utah in Thrilling Non-Conference Showdown
In a tightly contested matchup at the Alaska Airlines Arena, the host Washington Huskies (74) outlasted the visiting Utah Utes (65), capping off an impressive comeback that erased a one-point deficit at halftime.
The game's ebb and flow was defined by Washington's ability to weather a slow first half. The Huskies trailed 36-37 at intermission, but rallied behind a dominant performance from senior Zoom Diallo (24 points, 7 assists). Diallo's shooting range proved pivotal in the second half, as he knocked down three 3-pointers and converted free throws to fuel Washington's surge.
Utah, meanwhile, relied on its big men to try and slow down Diallo. Hannes Steinbach contributed a double-double (11 rebounds, 20 points) but was unable to stem the tide of Washington's momentum.
In contrast, Terrence Brown led Utah with 21 points, but struggled with his shot from beyond the arc, going just 0-4 on threes. Despite Brown's efforts, Utah's offense remained inconsistent throughout, settling for mid-range jumpers and struggling to find its rhythm.
The game's final margin of nine points was a testament to Washington's resilience in the face of adversity. The Huskies' bench played a crucial role in bridging the gap between the two teams, providing energy and spark off the pine.
Washington's victory marked a significant win for the team, which is poised to make an impact in its non-conference schedule. Utah, meanwhile, faces an uphill battle in regaining its footing after a tough outing.
Box Score Highlights
- Washington (HOME):
- Zoom Diallo: 24 points, 7 assists
- Hannes Steinbach: 11 rebounds, 20 points
- Utah (AWAY):
- Terrence Brown: 21 points
- Keanu Dawes: 9 rebounds, 17 points