The Washington Huskies battled the Colorado Buffaloes in the finals of the Acrisure Holiday Classic in Palm Desert. The Huskies were seeking to repeat as champions in the event for the second consecutive year. Washington relied on hot shooting and strong team defense to beat Nevada on Thursday to earn a spot in the championship game. In the finals against Colorado, the Huskies struggled to score, and cracks on defense emerged.
Washington was battered by the Buffaloes early
The Huskies were unable to move the ball to create offense in the first half, with most points coming off the dribble. Washington had just two assists on nine made field goals and shot just 28% from the field. Dealing with injuries, the Huskies have had a tough time this year practicing and running creative offensive sets. Against Colorado, Washington’s lack of creativity on offense and poor ball movement limited them to just 30 points for the half. On the other end of the floor, the Buffaloes were able to move the ball effectively on offense. Colorado had 11 assists on 16 made field goals and rode hot shooting to a 47-30 halftime lead.
Washington was unable to complete a frenetic second-half comeback
The Huskies came out of halftime hot, going on a 22-5 run to tie the game at 52-52 with 11:41 to play. Desmond Claude and Quimari Peterson combined for 23 second-half points to lead the charge. Washington’s ball movement improved with nine assists on 14 made baskets. The Huskies were able to fight back from a 17-point deficit, but expended too much energy to complete the comeback. Playing without starting forwards Hannes Steinbach and Bryson Tucker, Washington was unable to keep pace with the Buffaloes in the final minutes. After shooting 1/11 to start the half, Colorado finished shooting 8/14 to win the game 81-68.
Key Stats and Information from the Huskies’ loss
The Buffaloes forward Bangot Dak finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds in a double-double performance. Washington did not have an answer for him and struggled for the first time on the glass. Colorado out-rebounded the Huskies for the first time this season, 42-33. Washington was outshot at the free-throw line as well. The Buffaloes made 23/32 free throws, while the Huskies hit 14/15 foul shots. Colorado was the more physical team and dominated on the interior. The Buffaloes scored 32 points in the paint to Washington’s 24. After falling to Colorado in Palm Desert, the Huskies return home to open conference play on Wednesday against UCLA.
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