But at 4-3 and having lost two in a row, the Huskies need a win desperately. Facing the No. 7 Duke Blue Devils, however, isn’t an easy way to snap a losing streak.
The Huskies haven’t beaten a team ranked in the Top 10 since Feb. 10, 2008. They are 9-17 against Top 10 teams under coach Lorenzo Romar.
It’s far too early to talk about NCAA tournament résumés. There should be wins in the future against teams such as UC Santa Barbara and South Dakota State, but this is the Huskies last chance to come away with a signature win. The three best teams they’ve played thus far – St. Louis, Nevada and Marquette – have all beaten them.
“The profile of the game, it’s definitely a big game,” Romar said. “In terms of a big game for our season, this one is big, but Marquette was big too. And next week Santa Barbara will be big too. We can’t treat this game like it’s a bigger game. Hopefully we can play at the same level every time.”
It’s a good philosophy, and something to be desired. But it is Duke, in Madison Square Garden, on national TV.
Even Romar’s players admitted the game was important. They know they are playing the quintessential college program on one of the biggest stages.
“It’s a big game with the bright lights,” sophomore shooting guard Terrence Ross said.
The brightest lights seems to shine on the 7-1 Blue Devils. They have the most recognizable coach in college basketball in Mike Krzyzewski, who recently became the all-time winningest coach in Division I history, passing Bobby Knight with his 903rd career victory.
Duke has the best freshman in the country in Austin Rivers, who leads a group of four players averaging double figures at 15.6 points per game. Rivers can drive to the basket on anyone, and he can step back and make 3-pointers. Backcourt-mate Seth Curry can do the same, while 6-foot-11 forward Ryan Kelly also can shoot from outside.
Duke is known for its “drive and kick” offense in which guards penetrate and pass to open shooters. The Blue Devils have attempted 169 3s this season and buried 71 with Rivers, Curry and Andre Dawkins shooting more than 40 percent from beyond the arc, and Kelly just under it.
“We’ve got a lot of things to worry about,” Romar said. “I think their ability to shoot 3-pointers helps them big-time. They’re shooting 52 percent overall, about 42 percent from the 3-point line. If they get going, they can really destroy teams. We have to find a way to not allow them to go crazy on the 3-point line.”
Washington has defended the 3-point shot well at times. But there have been lapses in consistency. Nevada’s game-tying shot and Marquette’s game-winner were both open 3s.
“We’ve come up short,” Romar said. “We’re two possessions away, two stops away from being 6-1 right now going into this game. We’re close, but that doesn’t count. We weren’t good enough in those games.”
There has been improvement from the first loss at St. Louis to the loss at Reno to Tuesday’s loss to Marquette. It’s noticeable.
One of those improvements that needs further improving is taking care of the basketball. Washington had 16 turnovers against Marquette, a handful of which came at crucial times.
“We’re playing more with a purpose now,” Romar said. “I feel like our guys did a pretty good job of executing for the most part in that game. We are understanding our roles more. I think we’re filling in more that way in terms of understanding our rotations.”
Washington will have to play its best basketball against its best competition to have a chance to win today. Romar hasn’t seen that yet, but he’s hopeful.
“All these games that we’re playing now certainly take you a long ways,” he said. “Anytime you go toe-to-toe with Duke and be successful, you’re going to get someone’s attention. I think that’s part of the big picture with this game. But for us, the No. 1 thing is to be the best team we can be.”
Ryan Divish: 253-597-8483 ryan.divish@thenewstribune.com blog.thenewstribune.com/uwsports
TODAY
Washington vs. Duke in New York, 9 a.m., Ch. 7, 950-AM, 102.9-FM
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