Huskies advance to NIT final four with 90-86 win over the Ducks!

By Kshell

The Washington Huskies(24-10,14-4) are advancing to New York City to play in the NIT final four after ending the Oregon Ducks(24-10,13-5) season 90-86. The Huskies were led by Terrence Ross scoring a game high 24 points which had to anger Oregon fans as Ross is from the state of Oregon. For the second straight year the Huskies split the regular season with the Ducks each winning at home and the Huskies winning the third game in postseason play. The Huskies are going back to Madison Square Garden in New York City where they played earlier in the  year losing to two top ranked teams by a combined nine points to Marquette and Duke.  The Pac-12 champions Huskies who made history by being left out of the NCAA tournament are taking advantage of the NIT and are finally coming together as a team. Ross and Tony Wroten are playing terrific ball while C.J. Wilcox has been key off the bench. Abdul Gaddy is starting to show flashes of why he was such a sought after recruit coming out of high school. For the Huskies to end the Ducks season in itself was a big moment as these schools don't like each other. Now the Huskies can pack their bags as they are heading back to Madison Square Garden hoping to cut down the nets and erase the bad memories of their first trip to New York City.

In the first half was a high paced half with tons of lead changes. After being tied at six the Huskies went on a 6-0 run to lead 12-6. The Ducks quickly responded with a 12-2 run to lead 18-14 over the Huskies. After trailing 23-19 Abdul Gaddy went on a 5-0 run to give the Huskies a 24-23 lead over the Ducks. With the Ducks leading 41-39 they went on a 5-0 run to lead 46-39. The Ducks would lead at halftime 46-42 over the Huskies. In the first half the Ducks shot well making 16-30(53.3%) from the field, 4-10(40.0%) from three point range and 10-12(83.3%) on free throws. They were led by E.J. Singler who scored 15 points on four for seven shooting including three for four on three pointers and four for five on free throws. He also had six rebounds and two assists. Tony Woods scored 10 points making all five baskets with a block shot. Olu Ashaulou scored eight point son two for three shooting and made four for five free throws. Devoe Joseph for the second straight game at Washington struggled scoring only three points on one for five shooting making just one for four on three point baskets. The Ducks who won the CBI last year were just 20 minutes away from going to Madison Square Garden and ending the Huskies season.

The Huskies trailed by four points and were in the game due to their rebounding. They outrebounded the Ducks 19-14 including 9-3 on offensive rebounds. They shot 15-34(44.1%) from the field, 4-13(30.8%) on three point range and 8-12(66.7%) on free throws. The Huskies were led by Terrence Ross who scored 12 points on 5-10 shooting including two for five from three point range. Tony Wroten scored nine points on two for five shooting but made five for eight free throws. He added two rebounds, two assists and a steal. Abdul Gaddy had a five first half scoring five points on two for five shooting with a three pointer. He also had six assists, three rebounds and a rare block shot. Darnell Gant playing in his final home game of his Huskies career scored four points on two for four shooting but had six rebounds which included four offensive boards. The Huskies for the second time in this NIT found themselves 20 minutes away from their season being over.

The Huskies began the second half going on an 8-2 run to lead 50-48. Ross would later hit a three pointer to give the Huskies a 66-60 lead with 10:30 left in the game. The Ducks immediately went on a 5-0 run to cut the lead to 66-65. Wilcox would hit a three pointer to cap a 9-0 run to give the Huskies a 75-65 lead with 7:07 left in the game which had the Huskies thinking of New York. After Wroten's tip in to give the Huskies an 80-71 lead with 3:54 left in the game is when the game got interesting. Garrett Sim would hit a three pointer after a Ducks  offensive rebound to cut the lead to 80-74. In fact the Ducks went on a 6-1 run to cut the lead to 81-77. After cutting the lead to 82-79 on the end bound play the Huskies almost turned the ball over instead Ross poked the ball ahead as Wroten had the breakaway dunk to give the Huskies an 84-79 lead with under a minute to go. That is when the slumping Joseph finally woke up drilling a three pointer to cut the lead to 84-82 with 42.4 seconds left. After almost turning the ball over C.J. Wilcox was finally fouled with 29.4 seconds left in the game. Wilcox sank both free throws giving the Huskies an 86-82 lead. The Huskies would get a key defensive stop and then Wroten would immediately pass the ball back to Wilcox who sank both free throws giving the Huskies an 88-82 lead with 20.6 seconds left. The Huskies would win 90-86 as the Ducks scored one final tip in at the buzzer. For the Ducks their season ended in Seattle as for the Huskies they are going to New York City to take on the Minnesota Gophers.

For the Ducks their shot disappeared in the second half making only 3-15(20.0%) from three point range. For the game the Ducks shot 31-69(44.9%) from the field, 7-25(28.0%) from three point range, and 17-22(77.3%) from free throws. They were led by Olu Ashaolu who scored 20 points off the bench on 7-12 shooting and made six for seven free throws. He had nine rebounds including six offensive with two block shots. E.J. Singler who had a big first half was quiet in the second half scoring 19 points(only four in the second half) on 5-12 shooting including three for six on three pointers. Singler fouled out with nine rebounds and four assists. Woods scored 15 points on seven for nine shooting. Devoe Joseph scored his points late scoring 12 points on 4-15 shooting including 3-10 from beyond the arc. The Ducks season which during the year had hopes of an NCAA tournament instead ends in the NIT in Seattle to their bitter rivals as the Huskies celebrated right in front of them.

For the Huskies they shot much better in the second half and played championship defense. The Huskies shot 28-62(45.2%) from the field, 7-19(36.8%) from three point range and 27-35(77.1%) from the free throw line. The Huskies outrebounded the Ducks 37-34 including 14-12 on offensive rebounds. The Huskies once again in the NIT were led by Terrence Ross who perhaps played his final home game as a Husky. Ross scored 24 points on 9-18 shooting including making three for eight on three pointers and all three of his free throws. Tony Wroten scored 22 points on 6-15 shooting and made 10-14 on his free throws. Wroten added seven rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block shot. C.J. Wilcox came on strong off the bench once again scoring 17 points on 4-10 shooting including three for six on three point range. He was a perfect six for six on free throws while dishing out three assists with two block shots. Abdul Gaddy played his best game as a Husky scoring 11 points on three for seven shooting with a three pointer also dished out 10 assists with seven rebounds. He also held Joseph to 4-15 shooting while recording a block shot. Darnell Gant playing his final home game scored six points on three for five shooting also grabbed seven rebounds including five offensive. Aziz N'Diaye who picked up his fourth foul with over eight minutes to go rewarded Romar's trust by sticking with him and didn't foul out. N'Diaye scored five points on one for two shooting but made three for four on free throws. He also added seven rebounds as well. Austin Seferian-Jenkins was a big boost off the bench playing 15 minutes scoring three points on one for three shooting with three rebounds while having four fouls. This was a total team win for the Pac-12 regular season champion Huskies.

For the first time in program history the Huskies are advancing to the NIT final four. Sure the Huskies would rather be playing in the NCAA tournament but hopefully this experience of advancing deep in a tournament can help them for next year. The Huskies offseason will be defined as successful if Ross and Wroten come back. If they choose to leave for the NBA at least this NIT gave Wilcox, N'Diaye and Gaddy a chance to improve their game. The Husky fan base has to feel better about their chances next year due to this NIT than they did a few weeks back. The NIT was a good thing for the Huskies who have hopes of winning the whole tournament. The Huskies are the highest seed remaining in the tournament and will be the favorites to cut down the nets in the mecca of basketball which is Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Observations:

- Was this Tony Wroten's final home for the Huskies? I guess we'll answer that question for another time. If this was what a way to go out for Wroten. Wroten scored 22 points making 10 for 14 on the free throw line with seven rebounds. Since the disaster ending against the Oregon State Beavers where Wroten missed his final four free throws he has made 13-19(68.4%) which isn't good but a lot better than his season average of 58.4%. In the NIT so far Wroten is averaging 11.0 PPG, 5.3 RPG and 5.7 APG. He is also averaging a steal a game and 1.3 blocks per game as well. Wroten is playing well this NIT and impressing NBA scouts in the process.

For the season Wroten is now averaging 16.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG and 3.8 APG. He is also averaging 1.9 steals per game while shooting 45.0% from the field. Wroten during this game also passed up his mentor Isaiah Thomas for most points scored in a single season by a Huskies freshman. If he had just made two of his four final free throws against the Beavers he would have had the greatest freshman season in Huskies history. Most intelligent fans like myself will realize Wroten had a great season this year for the Huskies. To remember him for those missed free throws is ridiculous and ignoring all the good plays he made for this program.

- After slumping in the first half Wilcox came through once again scoring 17 points off the bench making three three pointers and hitting six clutch free throws including four down the stretch. If Wilcox doesn't get injured in the middle of the year the Huskies are playing in the NCAA tournament. Wilcox in his last five games is averaging 18.0 PPG and 4.0 RPG. He is shooting well too in that stretch making 29-55(52.7%) from the field, 15-33(45.5%) from three point range and 17-21(80.6%) from thre free throw line. He is making on average three full three pointers a game during that stretch.

In the NIT he is averaging 17.3 PPG and 3.7 RPG. He has made eight three pointers during this tournament as well. For the year Wilcox is averaging 14.3 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 0.9 steals and 0.6 blocks. He is shooting 43.8% from the field, 41.1% on three pointers making 2.3 a game and 84.6% on free throws. Wilcox last year was a shooter but this year he has turned into a scorer. Depending on what Ross and Wroten do Wilcox might have to be the main guy next season. Wilcox has shown when he is healthy the last two years he is capable of that as he is a terrific shooter.

- Abdul Gaddy who had a disappointing junior season has really came on strong lately. Gaddy scored 11 points against the Ducks while dishing out 10 assists and pulling down seven rebounds. He also held Joseph to 4-15 shooting in the process. Gaddy has played well as of late in his last seven games he has averaged 9.4 PPG, 7.1 APG and 2.7 RPG. In this NIT Gaddy is averaging 8.7 PPG, 7.7 APG and 3.7 RPG. He is shooting 9-18(50.0%) from the field and 4-10(40.0%) from three point range.

For the season Gaddy is averaging 8.1 PPG and 5.2 APG. He is shooting 40.4% from the field and 33.3% on three pointers making 0.9 a game. Gaddy has came on strong down the stretch giving me hope he'll have a productive year as a senior. Remember Justin Dentmon? He was a player Husky fans couldn't wait to graduate as he was killing the team as a sophomore and a junior. Then his senior year he was first team all pac-10 as he had a big time senior year. Matthew Bryan-Amaning also came out of nowhere with a first team all pac-10 type of season as well as a senior. Not saying Gaddy will be first-team but he could be honorable mention next year.

- Darnell Gant's home career is officially over. No Husky has played in more games or won more games than Gant has. With the win over Oregon Gant is now 7-3 against the hated Ducks. He is also 7-2 against the Cougars and 8-2 against the Beavers which meant in his four years at Washington the Huskies dominated the Northwest. This win also gave the Huskies 100 wins in Gant's career meaning no other player has ever reached that milestone in 110 years of basketball for the Huskies which Gant just did. When fans look back at Gant's career they'll remember all the wins which is what they should remember. He also had a pretty good game scoring six points and grabbing seven rebounds. He defended Singler in the second half holding him to just four points on one for five shooting. Gant is a versatile defender and he proved it once again.

In his last six games Gant is averaging 6.8 PPG and 8.3 RPG. This NIT he is averaging 6.3 PPG and 7.0 RPG. For the season Gant is averaging career highs in both 7.0 PPG and 5.3 RPG. He is shooting 45.7% from the field and 32.4% on three pointers making 0.7 a game.  Gant has the chance to end his career on a five game winning streak something no other Husky has ever done with two more wins at Madison Square Garden.

- Terrence Ross continued playing like a man who wants to play in the NBA. This was most likely the final home game for Ross who torched his homestate team by scoring 24 points on 9-18 shooting with three three pointers. Ross this NIT is averaging 26.3 PPG as he has scored over 20 points in all three games. He is averaging 5.3 rebounds per game as well. He is shooting lights out making 28-54(51.8%) of his field goal attempts including 12-30(40.0%) from three point range while making all 11 free throws as well. Ross has improved his stock quite a bit in this NIT. For the year now Ross is averaging 16.3 PPG and 6.4 RPG. He is also averaging 1.2 steals per game and 0.9 blocks per game. He is shooting 46.1% from the field and 36.9% on three pointers making 2.0 a game. Ross is the real deal and the Husky fans should be appreciative to have seen such greatness for two years. We are all just hoping we could have seen one more year. I have a feeling Ross just played his final home game as a Husky.

- Like he did on Friday Lorenzo Romar thanked the fans after the game. More than 9,000 fans showed up to see the Huskies end the Ducks season. For Romar now he improves to 10-1 all-time at home against the Oregon Ducks as the Huskies finished this season 18-2 at home. In his career against the Ducks Romar is now 15-8 which shows the domination he has over his rivals from the south. The Ducks have still yet to defeat Romar in a season series and he has been coaching the Huskies for 10 seasons now. Just like with Gant pretty incredible achievement for Romar to win his 100th game in a four year span. The Huskies are now 100-40(.714) the last four years including 50-22(.694) in conference play. The Huskies led by Romar have been the kings of the conference the last couple of years. Now if Romar can get the Huskies to the real final four is the obvious next step. This postseason run has been nice to see a Huskies team string some wins together and Romar deserves all the credit for keeping his team focused on the task that had to be done.

The Huskies are going back to New York City where they have a chance to prove to everyone that they were indeed an NCAA tournament team. I think the Huskies have already proved that fact and it has been nice seeing this team play their best basketball of the season. It has been nice seeing guys like Wilcox and Gaddy playing so well heading into next year. Been nice seeing Ross and Wroten having great moments so my final image of them will be positive. It has been especially nice seeing Gant go out the way he is going out. This Huskies team can only play the games on their schedule and right now they are taking advantage of that by advancing to the NIT final four. The Huskies will have a chance to bring home their first ever NIT or NCAA championship in their 110 year basketball history. Winning the NIT although not the ultimate prize is still a huge accomplishment especially for a program like the Huskies.

Ross scores career high 32 as Huskies destroy Northwestern 76-55 in NIT sweet 16

By Kshell

Terrence Ross put on a performance for the ages scoring a career high 32 points making six three pointers as the Washington Huskies(23-10,14-4) advanced to the elite 8 of the NIT winning over the Northwestern Wildcats(19-14,8-10) 76-55. The Huskies finally played up to their abilities in blowing out the Wildcats. The Huskies offense started off slow in the first half but still led at halftime by seven points. In the second half the offense woke up as Ross and C.J. Wilcox combined to make 10-23 from three point range. The Huskies dominated the rebounding battle this game 42-24 against the undersized Wildcats and both their PG's Tony Wroten and Abdul Gaddy had seven assists in the game. The Pac-12 regular season champions showed why they should be playing in the NCAA tournament as they are a deep team who can beat you in so many different ways. The Huskies feature two high NBA talented players in Ross and Wroten. The Huskies also have good NBA prospects down the road in Aziz N'Diaye and Wilcox. For Lorenzo Romar to have his team still focused on the task that needs to be done speaks a lot about this team. The Huskies now have just one home game left then hopefully they'll make a return trip to New York City.

The game started off slow for the Huskies as they found themselves trailing 17-9 to the Wildcats. That is when the defense picked up as the Huskies started to force turnovers going on a 23-6 run to lead 32-23 eventually leading at halftime 39-32. The Wildcats trailed despite shooting well making 11-19(57.8%) from the field, five for eight(62.5%) on three pointers and five for nine on free throws(55.5%). The Wildcats were led by John Shurna who scored 14 points on four for five shooting including three three pointers also had five rebounds. They were also led by JerShon Cobb who scored six points on two for four shooting. The Wildcats main problem was 11 turnovers in the first half.

For the Huskies they shot poorly making only 13-37(35.1%) from the field, 5-21(23.8%) on three point range and were perfect on eight free throw attempts. The Huskies outrebounded the Wildcats 19-14 including 11-2 in offensive rebounds. They were led by Terrence Ross who scored 15 points on 4-10 shooting including three for seven on three pointers. He was perfect on four free throw attempts grabbing five rebounds. Aziz N'Diaye scored six points on three for six shooting with two rebounds. Tony Wroten had just two points on one for five shooting but provided five rebounds with four assists. C.J. Wilcox scored nine points on three for nine shooting with one three pointer and three rebounds. The Huskies would look to extend that lead in the second half hoping their shots would finally fall.

In the second half the Huskies put the Wildcats away as Ross began the second half hitting three straight three pointers. Then C.J. Wilcox poured in on the action drilling three straight three pointers as well. The Huskies outscored the Wildcats 37-23 in the second half to win 76-55 in one of their most complete efforts of the season. The Wildcats cooled down in the second half making only 7-32(21.8%) from the field giving them 18-51(35.3%) overall. They shot 9-24(37.5%) from three point range and 10-17(58.8%) from free throws. They were led by Shurna who scored 24 points on 6-12 shooting from the field, five for seven on three pointers while making seven of nine from free throws. He also pulled down six rebounds with four steals and a block shot.

For the Huskies they shot 27-63(42.9%) from the field including 14-26(53.8%) from the field in the second half. The Huskies shot the three ball plenty making 11-32(34.4%) from beyond the arc and 11-14(78.6%) from the free throw line. They out rebounded the Wildcats 42-24 including 19-8 in offensive. They were led by Ross who scored 32 points on 10-21 shooting including 6-14 from three pointers while making all six of his free throws. Ross grabbed eight rebounds while having two steals and a block shot. C.J. Wilcox off the bench scored 20 points on 7-13 shooting while making four for nine on three pointers and made both free throws. Wilcox also had six rebounds including four offensive. Aziz N'Diaye scored 11 points on 5-11 shooting with seven rebounds and two steals. Abdul Gaddy scored five points on two for six shooting with a three pointer. He did fill up the stat sheet with four rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block shot. Tony Wroten only scored two points on one for five shooting but had eight rebounds. He also had seven assists with two blocks. Desmond Simmons scored four points making his only shot with two rebounds. Martin Bruenig brought down the house with two points on an athletic dunk. Darnell Gant was held scoreless missing all five of his shots but had four rebounds including three offensive. This was a big win for the Huskies who played one of their most complete games of the season.

For the first time in school history the Huskies are advancing to the elite 8 in the NIT. The Huskies will have one more home game left in the season and they will host one of their rivals the Oregon Ducks. The Huskies who did win the Pac-12 regular season championship are continuing their good play as of late. The Huskies are proving that the loss to Oregon State in the Pac-12 tournament was just a fluke. The Huskies can't control what the selection committee thought they didn't do all they can control is the games they are playing in the NIT. So far the Huskies are playing good basketball games which hopefully can translate into next season for the NCAA tournament.

Observations:

- Wilcox had his stroke going once again drilling four three pointers as he scored 20 points while grabbing six rebounds. Wilcox was in line for a big year before the injury set in. After that injury he struggled coming back but has been in a groove now for over a month. In the past four games Wilcox is averaging 18.3 PPG with 4.8 RPG. He is shooting 25-45(55.5%) from the field during this four game stretch which includes 12-27(44.4%) from three point range averaging three three pointers a game. He is also 11-15(73.3%) on free throws during that stretch.

For this season Wilcox is now averaging 14.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 0.9 steals and 0.6 blocks. He is shooting 43.9% on field goals, 40.8% on three pointers and 83.5% on free throws. He is making 2.3 three pointers a game. Had Wilcox not missed those three games more importantly that California game the Huskies would be playing in the NCAA tournament. For Wilcox who will for sure be back next season this NIT experience is good for him to work on his game for next season.

- It was nice to see Aziz N'Diaye break out of his slump. In the previous three games N'Diaye had averaged just 6.0 PPG and 5.0 RPG with 4.3 fouls per game. N'Diaye has been fighting foul trouble lately but not this game. In this game N'Diaye played 30 minutes for only the fourth time this season. In those 30 minutes N'Diaye scored 11 points on 5-11 shooting with seven rebounds and two steals. N'Diaye like Wilcox will be another player who will be here next season so this game experience is good for N'Diaye who will be expected to have a big year next year. N'Diaye was selected first team all defensive team.

For the year N'Diaye is averaging 8.1 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.1 blocks per game and 0.6 steals per game in 23.5 minutes per game. He is shooting 53.1% from the field. N'Diaye has played two seasons with the Huskies now mostly as a starter will have one more year left. His presence in the paint allows the Huskies to use more defensive looks because he is such a force in the middle. Now N'Diaye is starting to improve as a scorer as he has scored in double figures this year in 11 games out of 31. He has also grabbed double figures in rebounds in seven games as well. N'Diaye improvement for next year will be a big determining factor if the Huskies make the NCAA tournament next season or not.

- Darnell Gant scored zero points in his second to last home game as a Husky. Yet Lorenzo Romar praised Gant after the game because like usual Gant was guarding the other teams best player. Although Shurna still scored 24 he didn't go off on the Huskies like Ross did to the Wildcats. That is what the Huskies will miss most in Gant is his versatility on defense much like Justin Holiday last season. Gant didn't put up huge numbers but he is more valuable than some fans may think.

For the season now Gant is averaging 7.1 PPG, 5.3 rebounds per game, 0.4 steals and 0.2 blocks. Gant is shooting 45.4% from the field while shooting 32.9% from three point range making 0.7 three pointers a game. Gant will now be playing in his final game at home this Tuesday against the Oregon Ducks as the Huskies have won 99 games in Gant's career.

- Tony Wroten for the second straight game in the NIT didn't look to score but make his teammates better. Wroten scored a career low two points making only one of five field goal attempts. He did record eight rebounds, seven assists with two blocks. He also had five turnovers as he is showing why he should come back for another year. Interesting note on Wroten in games he shoots the ball under 10 games the Huskies are 6-2 including winning their past five games. Wroten is averaging 5.7 assists per game in his last six games as he is working on that part of his game.

For the year Wroten is averaging 16.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.9 steals and 0.4 blocks per game while shooting 45.2% from the field. In the NIT in two games Wroten is averaging only 5.5 PPG but 7.5 APG. He is also averaging 4.5 RPG. Look for Wroten to be more aggressive next game against the Oregon Ducks as he is averaging 15.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG and 4.5 APG this year as the teams split the season series.

- Terrence Ross had one of those special games that makes you think us Husky fans won't get to enjoy anymore. Ross was terrific scoring 32 points on 10-21 shooting, making 6-14(43.6%) on three pointers while grabbing eight rebounds. Ross got the Huskies back in the game in the first half then in the second half put the Wildcats away. Ross has been on fire as of late. In the last five games Ross is averaging 21.2 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.6 steals and 0.8 BPG. During that stretch he is shooting 40-79(50.6%) from the field and 17-39(43.5%) from three point range making 3.4 three pointers a game. In this two game NIT Ross is averaging 27.5 PPG and 6.5 RPG. He has made nine three pointers so far. Ross on the year is averaging 16.0 PPG and 6.5 RPG. He is shooting 46.0% from the field and 36.9% from three point range making two full three's a game. Ross is a terrific talent and is projected to be a late first round pick in this loaded draft. Hopefully Ross returns to the Huskies like his teammate Tony Wroten so the Huskies can make some noise this upcoming season.

- I'll give Romar credit for having his team prepared to play in a tournament that nobody wanted to play in. The Huskies are proving the selection committee wrong and should be in the NCAA tournament. Romar isn't letting his team be distracted and they are focused. The Huskies are playing some of their best ball of the season in the last 1.5 games which has been sad to see. Romar has seen his team win 99 games over these four years. The Pac-12 coach of the year now must do his biggest recruiting job this offseason. Unlike most recruiting pitches where you beg kids to come to your school Romar will be begging two kids in particular to stay at his school in Ross and Wroten. If those two come back next year the Huskies won't be playing in the NIT elite 8 instead could be in the NCAA tournament elite 8. As is the Huskies are one win away from Madison Square Garden in New York City.

All the Huskies have to do now is beat the Oregon Ducks at home something they have done two years in a row and 10 of the last 11 at home. The Huskies have dominated the Ducks in the Romar era but also dominated the Oregon State Beavers as well but that didn't stop them from losing to the Beavers in the Pac-12 tournament. Only one home game is left this season and both the Ducks and Huskies are proving they were more than capable of doing well in the NCAA tournament. The Huskies are playing well especially at home where they are 17-2 and with one more win they'll have a return trip to Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Huskies are making the most of this NIT opportunity and are now one game away from going to the mecca of basketball. If Ross keeps playing the way he is playing the Huskies will keep winning and he'll be a very rich man next season.

Ross leads Huskies to NIT first round win over Mavericks 82-72

By Kshell

Terrence Ross who might be playing in his final games as a Husky made sure this season would still be alive. Ross lead the Washington Huskies(22-10,14-4) with 23 points as the Huskies knocked off the UT-Arlington Mavericks(24-9,15-1) 82-72 in the first round of the NIT. The Huskies shot well during the game and after trailing 59-58 the Huskies went on a 19-6 run to put the game away. Led by Ross who prolonged his Husky career for at least one more game scoring 23 points and Darnell Gant who scored 13 points while grabbing 10 rebounds. For Gant these are for sure his last games in a Husky uniform as he is a senior. Lorenzo Romar did a good job making sure his team was ready even though early on it appeared that the Huskies didn't want to be there as the Mavericks dominated the glass. The Huskies who became the first ever major conference champions to be snubbed from the NCAA tournament now have to make due with their situation. They can't worry about the past and this game showed the Huskies got their first win of the NIT out of the way. From here on out each NIT game will seem more and more like a real game rather than an exhibition which is what this game felt like. For the 2012 Pac-12 champion Huskies this was a chance to move on and gain some more playing experience.

In the first half after a back forth game by both teams Ross started to go off for the Huskies. Ross scored 11 straight points for the Huskies as they led 32-24. Leading 34-26 over the Mavericks is when the Huskies got lazy on defense mainly on rebounding.  The Mavericks closed the half on an 11-3 run including a tip in at the buzzer to tie the score up at 37. The Mavericks shot 12-33(36.4%) from the field, were just one for nine(11.1%) from three point range and 12-15(80.0%) on free throws. They outrebounded the Huskies 23-11 including 11-3 on the offensive glass. They were led by LaMarcus Reed III scoring 10 points on one for six shooting making only one three pointer but was seven for eight on free throws. Bo Ingram scored nine points on three for eight shooting but made three of four at the free throw line with four rebounds.

The Huskies shot well making 14-28(50.0%) from the field, 4-12(33.3%) from three point range and five for seven(71.4%) from free throws. They were led by Ross who scored 11 points on five for nine shooting with a three pointer. He pulled down three rebounds with a steal and a block shot. Tony Wroten scored five points on two for four shooting making one for two free throws with four assists and a steal. Darnell Gant the senior scored five points on two for four shooting with a three pointer and five rebounds. Abdul Gaddy also scored five points on two for three shooting with a three pointer with four assists. The Huskies were tied at halftime and once again were seeing the end of their season in 20 minutes if things didn't turn around mainly rebounding.

In the second half the Huskies defense picked up as they outscored the Mavericks 45-35. The Huskies also won the rebounding war 12-10 in the second half. Trailing 59-58 the Huskies went on a 19-6 run capped by a Gant three pointer to lead 77-65 with under four minutes left in the game. The Huskies then cruised to an 82-72 win over the Mavericks advancing to the NIT sweet 16 against the Northwestern Wildcats. The Mavericks for the game shot 25-62(40.3%) from the field, 5-21(23.8%) from three pointers, and 17-22(77.3%) from the free throw line. They were led by Reed III who scored 20 points but made just 4-14 from the field but was 10-12 from the free throw line. Ingram scored 17 points but was only 6-17 shooting including 1-10 from three point range.

For the Huskies who move on they shot well making 27-47(57.4%) from the field, 8-22(36.4%) from three point range, 20-31(64.5%) from the free throw line. They were led by Terrence Ross who scored 23 points on 9-15 shooting including three three pointers. Ross also added five rebounds, a steal and two block shots. C.J. Wilcox off the bench scored 15 points on three for eight shooting with a three pointer but was 8-10 from the free throw line. Wilcox added four rebounds, two assists and a steal. Darnell Gant scored 13 points on five for nine shooting with two three pointers while grabbing 10 rebounds. Tony Wroten scored only nine points on three for five shooting and made three for four free throws. He also tied a career high with eight assists while having two steals and a block shot. Abdul Gaddy continued his fine play as of late scored 10 points on four for five shooting with two three pointers. He dished out six assists to only one turnover. Aziz N'Diaye scored seven points on one for two shooting making 5-11 from the free throw line. N'Diaye also added a block shot as he fought foul trouble all game. The Huskies really only had production from six players which has been a troubling trend for them lately.

The Huskies are playing in a tournament they don't want to be in and it showed in the first half. In the second half pride kicked in as the Huskies started to resemble that Pac-12 championship team who played so well for two straight months. Ross and Gant are extending their Husky careers while Wroten proved he can be a point guard who can help his teammates get better. This NIT serves as a chance for Gaddy to continue to grow as a point guard as well. The Huskies have to make the best of this situation and show the NCAA selection committee when it's all said and done that they made a mistake on this Huskies team who I felt should be playing in the NCAA tournament.

Observations:

- Darnell Gant is playing his final days as a Husky. This game was significant for Gant as he played in his 137th game as a Husky meaning no other Husky has played in more games than Gant. In his Husky career the Huskies have now won 98 games which is pretty incredible and four conference championships.  Gant was denied a chance to become the first ever Husky to play in four NCAA tournaments but is still making the most of it.

Gant in the last four games has been rebounding like crazy. After recording 10 rebounds just once in his career in 134 games he has grabbed 10 rebounds the last three games. In the last four games Gant is averaging 8.8 PPG and 9.8 RPG during that stretch. He is also shooting 15-28(53.5%) from the field and 4-10(40.0%) from three pointers during that stretch. Gant is playing his heart out as he knows his days at Washington are about numbered. Too bad he didn't make the NCAA tournament as he is playing his best ball of his career.

- Tony Wroten had a strange game for him. In this game he only shot the ball five times and only scored nine points as he made three for five from the field and three for four on free throws. What made this game unique was Wroten tying a career high in assists with eight. Wroten made his teammates better and showed NBA scouts that he is capable of doing that.

Wroten who has played great all season long in his last six games is averaging 17.0 PPG, 4.8 APG and 5.7 RPG during that stretch. Hopefully Wroten comes back as the Huskies should make the NCAA tournament if he comes back. If these are indeed his last games in a Huskies uniform he is certainly making the best of his situation.

- Terrence Ross showed why he is most likely playing his final days as a Husky. In the first half he scored 11 straight points for the Huskies then in the second half scored 12 points leading the Huskies to the win. Ross since his disaster in Pullman has shot extremely well the last four games. Ross is averaging 18.5 PPG and 5.3 RPG. He is also chipping in with 1.5 steals per game and 0.75 blocks per game. During that stretch he is shooting well making 30-58(51.7%) from the field and 11-25(44.0%) from three point range. Ross is making 2.8 three pointers a game during that stretch. Showing once again he is a terrific athlete who can shoot well from the outside.

Ross was first team all Pac-12 on the season is now averaging 15.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks. Ross will have a fine NBA career as he has no weaknesses in his game other than consistency. If Ross can manage to bring his plus game every night he should have an easy transition at the next level. For Ross though having a big game means he'll get to play at least one more game in front of the hometown fans. The Huskies are hoping for a miracle with Ross coming back but that looks doubtful.

- You can't tell Lorenzo Romar this game meant nothing. Romar coached this game like it was an NCAA tournament game. He had a tight rotation as only six guys really contributed. Shawn Kemp Jr, Desmond Simmons and Austin Seferian-Jenkins played little. That was only due to N'Diaye being in foul trouble. Romar is trying hard to win this tournament so his team can have something to build on for next season. The Huskies season didn't end the way they wanted but instead of rolling over right now they can build on this season with more wins in this tournament.

This NIT I feel will help Gaddy, N'Diaye and the freshman the most. Those guys have a chance to grow as players as the Huskies will be leaning on them even more next season. Which is why Romar is treating this NIT like the NCAA tournament to give the kids pressure pack experience. This game still has meaning to some people in the program and especially Romar. Romar is treating this tournament like a big deal showing that coaches will always coach their heart out no matter what.

The Huskies won the first round of the NIT and will still continue their season this Friday against the Northwestern Wildcats. The Huskies have a chance to show they are more talented than the field as they continue to strive to play for New York City. This program isn't excited about playing in the NIT but they have a job to do which is win. In sports if there is a running scoreboard the goal is to win which is what the Huskies goal should be this NIT. This isn't the kind of wins we wanted in March but NIT wins are still better than NIT losses. The Huskies are hoping they can still continue to grow as a team as they are getting prepared for next season. In the meantime the Huskies are hoping to send out Darnell Gant with a bang.

Huskies first ever major conference champion left out of NCAA tournament!

By Kshell

History was made on selection Sunday as the Washington Huskies(21-10,14-4) became the first ever major conference champion snubbed from the NCAA tournament. Despite winning their conference California Golden Bears along with Colorado Buffaloes(who won the automatic bid) are the only Pac-12 schools heading to the big dance. The Big East sent nine teams while the Pac-12 couldn't even send their champion. For Lorenzo Romar who won the coach of the year this is a major blow. The Huskies were trying to reach the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history four straight years. Despite winning the conference title the Huskies will now be forced to play in the NIT on Tuesday at 7 p.m. against UT-Arlington.

For the Huskies this is an opportunity to grow as a team and use as fuel for next season. Some teams have done well in the NIT in the past and used that for the following season. The Huskies were awarded the #1 seed in the NIT and will play the UT-Arlington Mavericks(24-8,15-1) who like the Huskies won their conference regular season. The Mavericks are led by guard LaMarcus Reed III who averages 17.8 PPG while making 1.9 three pointers a game. For the Huskies senior Darnell Gant this wasn't the ending he wanted for his career who will now be forced to play his final home games in the NIT. Gant was trying to become the first ever Husky to reach the NCAA tournament four years in a row. Instead Gant will end his career playing in the NIT. Gant is the only senior on the team so if Terrence Ross and Tony Wroten decide to come back this experience could help them in the tournament. Most likely this experience will help them exit easier.

Last year the Washington State Cougars made the NIT as the #2 seed starring Klay Thompson. In fact the Cougars made the NIT final four before getting blown out 75-44 to eventual NIT champions Witchita State(who is now in the NCAA tournament). The Cougars thought that experience would be good for them as they had no seniors on their team. Little did they know that was to be the final four games of Klay Thompson and DeAngelo Casto's career with the Cougars. During that NIT Thompson scored 25 points in the opening round game with a win over Long Beach State(now in the NCAA tournament). He followed that up with 21 points in a win over Oklahoma State. Then scored 17 points in an overtime win over Northwestern(who the Huskies could face in the second round). In his final game in a Cougars uniform Thompson in front of the big stage of Madison Square Garden scored only six points on 1-10 shooting. That poor performance didn't hurt Thompson at all as he still bolted to the NBA where is now seen bashing on Mike Leach's football program. The Cougars used that NIT Final Four momentum to go 15-16 this year and be in the CBI. The point is the momentum doesn't matter if your two best players leave the program which is what could very well happen to the Huskies. This NIT just gives both Ross and Wroten a chance at redemption to leave early. The Cougars weren't mad at Thompson at all for failing to reach the NCAA tournament in three years instead they proudly hung up their final four NIT banner.

For many Husky fans their final image of Tony Wroten won't be of him scoring 29 points against the Oregon State Beavers. It won't be of him averaging 16.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.6 APG and 1.9 steals per game. Instead it will be of him missing four straight free throws with the Huskies trailing by one point. If he makes just two of those free throws the Huskies are preparing for an NCAA tournament game. Regardless of what happens in the NIT if Wroten fails to come back that will be his legacy. As for Terrence Ross people won't remember him being named first team or even being snubbed for player of the year. It will be his no show act against the Beavers and drawing a costly offensive foul. I think Ross should leave early much like Thompson last year he has nothing else to prove. While Wroten needs to cut down on his turnovers(3.9 per game) and work on free throw shooting(57.6%). His outside shot in general needs work if Wroten comes back the Huskies should make it back to the NCAA tournament next season.

The Huskies didn't get the results they wanted today and perhaps they were indeed snubbed. That still doesn't change the fact they lost an Oregon State club headed to the CBI and an UCLA club who wasn't good enough to be selected by the NIT. Win one of those two games they are probably in right now. Just win two of those games against eventual NCAA tournament teams South Dakota State, Saint Louis, Duke and Marquette and the Huskies are dancing. Too many missed opportunities late and early in the season doomed the Huskies season this year. Romar now has reached just one sweet 16 in the last six seasons since Brandon Roy graduated. The program appears to have peaked in the 2005 and 2006 era with Roy, Nate Robinson and Will Conroy. Romar is recruiting at a better clip now than he was then yet the results aren't coming in. For a team featuring Wroten and Ross the season wasn't supposed to end in the NIT. Now the Huskies will just have to make due with a big situation and play the season out. For many Husky fans the season has already ended when they lost to Oregon State in the Pac-12 tournament.