No. 9 Arizona Basketball (19-4, 9-1) travels to Seattle in a highly-anticipated match-up versus the Washington Huskies (16-6, 6-3).
In one of the tougher road games this season, the Arizona Basketball team will have a big match-up on Saturday.
Coming off a 28-point throttling of Pac-12 cellar dweller, Washington State on Wednesday, Arizona hopes to keep their winning streak alive, and first place lead in the Pac-12 intact.
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However, their opponent this weekend won’t be so easy. The Huskies are rolling, winners of three-straight, including an upset of No. 25 ranked Arizona State on Thursday evening, we can anticipate Washington being up for this game.
So far, they have knocked off some good teams including; Kansas, USC and now ASU. They have been inconsistent at times this season, but Arizona often brings out the best game in everyone, and I don’t see why that would change against an upset-minded Washington team.
Under newly hired head coach Mike Hopkins, the Huskies have been impressive. Washington was picked to finish tenth in the Pac-12 prior to the season, and now over half way through, the Huskies sit in third place, behind Arizona and USC respectively.
Hopkins of course replaced long-time Huskies coach, Lorenzo Romar, who is now on staff at Arizona. This Saturday will be a reunion of sorts when the two teams square off.
Either way, this match-up should be a good one!
Washington Profile
Most Likely Line-up for the Huskies
G David Crisp, 6-0, Jr., (11.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.1 apg)
G Jaylen Nowell 6-4, Fr., (16.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.6 apg)
G Matisse Thybulle, 6-5, Jr., (11.2 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.8 apg)
F Noah Dickerson, 6-8, Jr., (14.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.0 apg)
F/C Sam Timmins, 6-11, So., (4.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg)
Top reserves: F Dominic Green (5.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg), F Nahziah Carter (4.6 ppg, 1.7 rpg), and G Carlos Johnson (4.3 ppg, 1.6 rpg).
Strengths:
Guard play: The Huskies have three, good guards. Jaylen Nowell is one of the best freshmen in this conference, and he has been a big part of their success thus far. Additionally, the Huskies possess enough athleticism to compete in this one. They competed with Kansas earlier in the year, knocking off the Jayhawks in impressive fashion, and in my opinion I think they will be one of the more athletic teams Arizona sees in the Pac-12.
Weaknesses:
Depth- The Huskies just don’t quite have it. Adversely, I think the same came be said about Arizona. Outside of their starting lineup, both teams don’t have too many serious, scoring options. While I think the Huskies will compete in this one, if they are to get into some foul trouble, that could spell doom for UW.
Game Analysis:
This should be a good test for Arizona. Like we said, teams are going to give Arizona their best shot. Washington is a formidable opponent with good athletes, and that should make this one interesting.
As it stands, the Wildcats are favored by six, and to be honest that sounds about right. A lot will be contingent on if Arizona doesn’t come out flat or shoots poorly, however, if the Wildcats stick to their strengths, they should hold on in this one.
Arizona 83 Washington 76
Must Read: More on Arizona Basketball
At Zona Zealots, we’re excited for the marquee match-up with the Huskies, and only hope the Wildcats can come out victorious. Game time is set for 8:30 MST/ 7:30 PST on Pac-12. Bear Down, Arizona!
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