University of Washington
15-13,7-10Pac-12
Arizona
21-6,12-4Pac-12
UW Drops Saturday Tilt At No. 4 Arizona 91-75
February 24, 2024 | Men's Basketball
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- Washington slowed down No. 4 Arizona at times, but couldn't pull within nine late in the second half of a 91-75 defeat on Saturday.
The Huskies (15-13, 7-10) spent most of the afternoon against the Wildcats trying to dig out of a big early hole.
Koren Johnson led the Huskies with 17 points, a career-high six rebounds and five assists. The UW sixth man is averaging 20.0 points and 4.3 assists in his last four games.
"We knew they were going to come out after a loss and play with that type of intensity and fire – that's what they do," Washington coach Mike Hopkins said. "We just didn't handle it well."
Trailing by 23, the Huskies used a 14-2 run to pull within 69-60, holding the Wildcats to 1-of-10 shooting during the rally. Arizona continued to struggle offensively, but turned up the defensive pressure to stretch the lead back out to 16.
"The character of these guys is they never give up, but you almost have to be perfect," Hopkins said. "When you're playing from behind against a team like that, it's hard."
Nate Calmese scored a season-high 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting.
Nate Calmese with a few of these ??
— Washington Men's Basketball (@UW_MBB) February 24, 2024
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Sahvir Wheeler reached 1,500 career points, making him just the second active player in Division I with 1,500 points, 800 assists, 300 rebounds and 150 steals.
Braxton Meah also grabbed his 500th career rebound, totaling 20 boards on the two-game trip.
Washington hosts UCLA on Thursday night before senior night on Saturday. Tickets for Thursday's game are available.
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