Undisciplined First Quarter Costs UW’s Utah Upset Hopes, 66-71

Whether it was failure to plan or failure to execute, UW played right into the hands of Utah with a loosey goosey first quarter.

For all intents and purposes, this game was lost in the first quarter when Washington (55.6 points per game) came out and inexplicably tried to run with the Utah (Runnin’) Utes (80.2 points per game).

The Huskies ran with the Utes and shot quickly but only converted 36.8% of their 19 shots (7 for 19), while committing three turnovers.

As expected, Utah was entirely comfortable running with the Dawgs, making a highly efficient 53.3% of their 15 shots (8 for 15) and committing only one turnover.

Although the Utes only managed to make an uncharacteristic 22.2% from three-point range, Washington went 0 for 4 from three-point range (0%) while playing uptempo.

At the end of the first period, Utah had scored 22 points and held a 7-point lead over the Huskies, 22-15.

The Dawgs were unable to overcome that first quarter deficit for the remainder of the game– even though Washington re-grouped and slowed the tempo in the remaining periods and played Utah virtually even the rest of the game.

However, it should be noted that once again the Huskies did not play well in the fourth quarter.

The Dawgs’ showed poor shot selection with an uncharacteristic nine (9) three-pointers in the final period — a sure sign that their execution of their usual “Princeton” motion was not working — but the Dawgs only made 22% of their 3-point attempts (2 for 9).

Overall, the Huskies shot 38.5% from the field (5 for 13).

Washington also committed six (6) turnovers in the final period, while only recording 3 assists — a negative Assist-to-Turnover ratio.

The Huskies’ (lack of) fourth quarter execution squashed any hopes of overcoming that first quarter deficit.

DAWGS OF THE GAME

Missy Peterson – In 25 minutes and 44 seconds, Missy scored 18 points on 77.8% shooting; as well as, tallying 2 assists and one rebounds (with four turnovers).

TT Watkins – In 30 minutes and 59 seconds, T.T. scored 9 points on 57% shooting overall; as well as, tallying 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and only one turnover. Her high energy play

Haley Van Dyke – In 36 minutes and 34 seconds, Haley scored 8 points on a subpar 30% shooting (3 for 10); however, she impacted the game considerably with 8 rebounds, 4 steals, 1 block and 1 assist.

Nancy Mulkey – In 33 minutes and 26 seconds, Nancy tallied nine points on 27.2% shooting (3 for 11); as well as, seven rebounds, five blocks, 2 assists (with 3 turnovers).

UP NEXT

The Washington Huskies (5-10 overall, 0-7 Pac-12) will continue their hunt for their first conference win at Colorado on Sunday, February 6th at 12 Noon.

GO DAWGS!