Once again Mike Hopkins needed a second half comeback from his team to survive Tuesday night.
Washington (8-3) entered halftime down 11 points to Cal Poly and made just six shots on two dozen attempts in the first half.
The Mustangs broke down the Huskies’ defense early, leading to six of 13 3-pointers in the first 20 minutes.
As has been the case through the first 10 games this season, a massive scoring output coupled with sharper defense would be required to defeat the Mustangs.
Senior forward Keion Brooks Jr. scored 23 points in the second half on 8 of 10 from the floor to surge UW past Cal Poly 74-68.
Brooks finished with 30 points, a career high for the Kentucky transfer, which included a crucial 8 of 9 from the free throw line.
Despite the Huskies slow start no player finished with more than three personal fouls.
The Mustangs converted just six of nine from the line Tuesday night, tied for the second fewest by an opponent this season for both make’s and attempts.
UW also forced Cal Poly into foul trouble throughout the night that led to a season high 24 of 30 from the line.
Senior guard Cole Bajema added 13 points – six of eight from the free throw line, a career high – marking his fifth consecutive game with a dozen or more points, the longest streak of his career.
Washington host Idaho State on Saturday before closing out non-conference play next Wednesday against No. 19 Auburn.
