The first phase of the basketball Apple Cup begins today as the Huskies take on the Cougars in Pullman. The Cougars have won seven straight against Washington and the Huskies are looking to turn that around today to start the Pac 10 season.
Both teams go into this one evenly matched but we have to give a slight edge to the Cougs because of their defense and deliberate style. If the Huskies are going to beat these guys on the road they are going to have to shoot better from the perimeter to open things up on the inside for the Washington big men.
I think the key for Washington in this game will be Isaiah Thomas. He went off for 27 points in his last outting and his performance on the perimeter will be key to Washington's success in conference play.
Washington won its last seven to conclude nonconference play at 9-3. The losses were to Portland, Kansas, and Florida State.
The Cougars show up with an 8-4 record. The losses were to Pittsburgh, Baylor, Gonzaga, and LSU.
Notes:
Huskies freshman guard Elston Turner remains doubtful with a sprained ankle suffered Tuesday against Morgan State. He was "extremely limited" in practice on Friday.
Jon Brockman needs 19 points to become the first UW player to score 1,500 points and grab 1,000 rebounds.
The Cougars hold teams to a national-low 49.3 points per game.