Romar and Pondexter, a winning combination

posted 04:25 PM 03/19
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This is why Quincy Pondexter stayed.

In the closing seconds of what could have been his last game as a Husky, Pondexter took over the game, driving and scoring an off-the-glass lay-in with 1.7 seconds remain to lift Washington to a dramatic 80-78 win against Marquette.

Pondexter, a senior who at times in his four years at UW was provoked by his role, made the biggest shot of his career. It was a shot he earned.

Like Brandon Roy, the former Husky guard now with the Portland Trail Blazers, Pondexter had to mature under coach Lorenzo Romar. First, before Pondexter could take over the game, had to learn something about teamwork. He had to learn how to be a team player.

It was a storybook moment for Pondexter. After a terrible first half when he went 1-for-7 from the field, he scored 14 of his 18 points in the second half. And he became the Huskies’ go-to player with the score tied 78-78.

Romar again gets credit for bringing this team together. It might be his best coaching feat, turning a team that looked like it would miss the NCAA tournament into a conference tournament champ and into a first-round winner in the NCAA tournament.

Now, Washington will play New Mexico starting at 2:50 p.m. Saturday. It’s another opportunity for Romar and for Pondexter.

It’s been a long road for Pondexter. And that’s what makes it so sweet for him, for Romar and for the Huskies.

posted by Gail Wood

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