The No. 22 Washington Huskies notched their fifth consecutive win – beating Eastern Washington, 90-80. Washington improved to 7-1 on the season.
“Going hard in practice, every day,” Quade Green answered when asked if there was a common theme in the Huskies’ five game winning streak.”Just keep going hard, getting at each other. And keep resting our bodies and get treatment.”
In a first half that was full of runs, it was the Huskies that got the better of Eastern Washington. After falling behind 10-1 less than three minutes into the game, the Huskies answered with an 18-3 run to take a 19-13 lead. Eastern Washington would rally back tie the game multiple times but the Huskies would end the half on a 14-2 run that included two high flying Nahziah Carter dunks. Eastern Washington scored just two points in the final five minutes of the first half.
The star of the game was Kentucky transfer Quade Green. The 6-foot point guard actually was not in the starting lineup. Coach Hopkins said the reason Green didn’t start was because he wanted to “go big” and see how Eastern Washington adjusted. But once Green entered the game he made his presence known. Green led the Huskies with 20 points and eight assists.
“The thing I get excited about is the eight assists and the one turnover,” Head Coach Mike Hopkins said of Green’s performance. “And controlling the game and delivery the ball – you know on time, on target. And finding guys. I was really happy with the way that he shared it tonight.
In the second half, the Huskies were cruising to an easy victory and center Sam Timmins joined in on the fun – making a 3-pointer. On the next possession, Timmins tried another 3-pointer and proceeded to air ball his attempt.
Washington played a more uptempo brand of basketball and it showed. The Huskies scored a season high 90 points.
Jaden McDaniels fouled out with 7:34 remaining but still managed to score 17 points.
The other 5-star Husky, Isaiah Stewart also fouled out with 4:51 remaining. Stewart finished with 12 points and five rebounds.
Nahziah Carter finished with 13 points and six rebounds.
Jamal Bey in his second consecutive start finished with 11 points, five rebounds, and five steals.
Looking ahead
Washington will host No. 9 Gonzaga on Sunday. The game is at 4 p.m. on ESPN2.
