ASU Basketball: 2019 Pac-12 Week 2 Power Rankings

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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 07: David Crisp #1 of the Washington Huskies brings the ball up the court against the Oregon State Beavers during a first-round game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 7, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Beavers won 69-66 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

4. Washington Huskies

After thrashing Western Kentucky by 18 on opening night, Mike Hopkins and the Huskies got the early-season test they wanted at No. 11 Auburn.

What they didn’t want was the beatdown that ensued.

In the defeat, the Huskies gave up 88 points, their most points allowed since a loss to Stanford on Feb. 22. Normally known for limiting turnovers and forcing bad shots, UW lost both battles Friday night as they finished with a turnover margin of -7 while the Tigers shot 38.7 percent from deep.

After the game, Hopkins told The Seattle Times his team needed to find a better rhythm on the defensive end. The challenge must be met by containing the opposition’s center position.

When facing Western Kentucky’s Charles Bassey and Auburn’s Chuma Okeke, the Huskies gave up a combined 30 points and 22 rebounds, allowing extra possessions and more expended energy on the defense.

UW also gave up 26 offensive rebounds in the first week, including 19 in the Auburn game alone. The inability to clear hurt their abilities on the offensive end, averaging just 69.5 points on 46 percent shooting.

If the Huskies are to avenge their defeat, they’ll have to win the turnover battle and get more opportunities in the open floor.

Washington returned home to defeat San Diego on Monday. They’ll travel to Canada this weekend for two games against Santa Clara and Texas A&M in the Vancouver Showcase.

– Booth

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