Huskies Return to Action, Try to Put Big Men Off Nights Behind Them
Loaded Front Court Seeks to Even Record
The Washington Huskies (10-10, 2-7 Pac-12) return to action Thursday night at Alaska Airlines Arena against the Utah Utes (14-7, 6-3) looking to snap a two-game skid after losing to No. 12 UCLA and USC by a combined 41 points last weekend. The Huskies, picked to finish 10th in the Pac-12 preseason media poll, have been led by a trio of big men this season in junior Hameir Wright, senior Braxton Meah, and freshman Tyler Lockett, a McDonald's All-American. However, the trio has struggled to produce consistently, especially in conference play. Wright is averaging 11.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, but he has shot just 38.0% from the field in Pac-12 play. Meah is averaging 10.4 points and 5.9 rebounds, but he has also struggled with his shot, making just 35.7% of his attempts in conference games. Lockett has been the most consistent of the three, averaging 8.5 points and 5.2 rebounds, but he has also had his struggles, shooting just 30.8% from the field in Pac-12 play.The Huskies will need to get more production from their big men if they want to make a run at an NCAA Tournament berth. The Huskies are currently projected as a No. 11 seed in the latest NCAA Tournament projections, but they will need to finish strong in conference play to improve their chances of making the tournament.
The Utes, meanwhile, are coming off a 73-65 win over Oregon State on Saturday. The Utes are led by senior guard Both Gach, who is averaging 14.3 points per game. Utah also has a solid frontcourt led by junior forward Branden Carlson, who is averaging 13.8 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.
The Huskies and Utes will tip off at 8 p.m. PT on Thursday night at Alaska Airlines Arena.
## Here are some key storylines to watch for in the game: * Can the Huskies get more production from their big men? The Huskies have been led by their big men this season, but they have struggled to produce consistently, especially in conference play. Wright, Meah, and Lockett will need to step up if the Huskies want to beat the Utes. * How will the Huskies defend Gach? Gach is one of the best guards in the Pac-12, and he will be a challenge for the Huskies to defend. The Huskies will need to do a good job of limiting Gach's touches and making him work for his shots. * Can the Huskies win on the boards? The Huskies have been outrebounded by their opponents in six of their last seven games. They will need to win the battle on the boards if they want to beat the Utes, who are a good rebounding team. * Can the Huskies make a run at an NCAA Tournament berth? The Huskies are currently projected as a No. 11 seed in the latest NCAA Tournament projections. They will need to finish strong in conference play if they want to improve their chances of making the tournament.