Huskies Fall to Hokies 103-79

In a game that wasn’t even close after the first 10 minutes, the Washington Huskies were pounded by the Virginia Tech Hokies 103-79. After scoring only 28 points first half the Dawgs actually managed to outscore the Hokies in the second half 51-44. However, it was too little too late in this drubbing. This marks the second loss in two days for Washington, as they fall to 2-2 on the season after losing last night to Providence 77-70. This year’s edition of the 2k Classic in NYC has not been kind to the Huskies.

Four Hokies scored in double digits, including a 30 point effort from senior guard Justin Bibbs. Ahmed Hill and Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 23 and 20 points, respectively. Unfortunately for Coach Hopkins’ new zone defense, it was picked apart on the perimeter by Virginia Tech who shot a remarkable 68% from deep, hitting on 15 of their 22 attempts. Overall, the Hokies shot nearly 60% from the field and are now averaging 104 points per game through the first four games of the season.

Freshman Jaylen Nowell lead the way for the Huskies, hitting on 57% of his shots for 21 points, including one three-pointer and going 2-4 from the line. Fellow freshman Nahziah Carter added another 12 points, including one 3. The Huskies struggled defensively throughout this game, but it was early offensive struggles that sunk them. Like last night’s game, nine first-half turnovers hampered the Huskies ability to put points on the board. It didn’t help that they also shot 26% from the field in the first-half as they struggled to find answers against Virginia Tech’s D. At one point in the second-half, the Hokies held a 34 point game-high lead over the Huskies.

There’s not many positives that can be gleamed from this loss. The Dawgs looked outmatched and struggled with their new defensive scheme. On offense, the team as a whole shot 43% from the field, 28% from deep and 57% from the line. It was a pretty poor all-around performance. The only good news is that they get to leave NYC and head home to face Seattle U in a week from today.

Win or lose, go Dawgs.