The short-handed Washington Huskies went wire-to-wire in a 64-56 victory over the Oregon State Beavers Thursday night at Alaska Airlines Arena.
The Huskies already without starting point guard Quade Green, who was ruled academically ineligible for the winter quarter – were also without Jaden McDaniels. The star freshman was out with an injured ankle he suffered in last Saturday’s loss at California.
Starting in place for McDaniels was true freshman RaeQuan Battle. The 6-foot-5 true freshman made an early impression. In the first half Battle made three 3-pointers and a few hustle plays that sparked the 8,207 people in attendance. The loudest cheer of the first half came when Battle stole the ball away from the Beavers and retreated back in the corner when true freshman Marcus Tsohonis quickly got the ball right back to Battle who made his third 3-pointer at the time. Battle’s energy, sharp shooting, and UW’s elite defense led to a 31-21 halftime lead.
“To be able to do what he was able to do tonight was pretty special. And it was a big difference in the game,” Coach Mike Hopkins said of Battle’s performance.
The Huskies picked up right where they left off in the second half. Isaiah Stewart made two quick layups to give UW a 38-23 lead with 17:08 remaining before Wayne Tinkle called timeout. Oregon State continued to fail at cracking Washington’s 2-3 zone defense as the Huskies ran away with a fairly easy victory.
Washington’s defense was stout all game. Oregon State shot just 20-of-51 from the field and 2-of-12 from 3-point range. The Huskies were able to contain OSU’s top scorers Tres Tinkle and Ethan Thompson. Tinkle scored 15 points but shot just 2-of-12 from the field. Thompson scored 16 points but was just 3-of-7 shooting from the field. Coach Hopkins said “awareness” and a good scout team led to the good defense on the dynamic duo.
Despite being without McDaniels, the Huskies’ offense looked fluid with true freshmen RaeQuan Battle and Marcus Tsohonis playing starting minutes. The Huskies shot 25-of-50 from the field and made nine 3-pointers.
“It wasn’t perfect but we had a lot of rhythm offensively,” Coach Hopkins said.”I thought the guys moved (and) shared it.”
Washington was led by Isaiah Stewart’s 13 points and four blocks.
Marcus Tsohonis scored 11 points.
RaeQuan Battle finished with 11 points.
Takeaway
Interesting enough, this was one of Washington’s best performances of the year despite missing Jaden McDaniels and Quade Green. True freshmen RaeQuan Battle and Marcus Tsohonis brought a lot of energy and production. If Battle can continue to shoot the way he did tonight it will give the Huskies more space for Isaiah Stewart and rest of Washington’s offense to work. But the main takeaway of the night for me was Washington’s defense. Without Quade Green the Huskies are going to be forced to win games that won’t always look pretty. Hustle and grit is what will get this team to the NCAA Tournament.
Looking Ahead
Washington next hosts Oregon on Saturday at 12:45 p.m. The game airs on CBS. Coach Mike Hopkins said that Jaden McDaniels will play Saturday.
