Washington dropped its Big Ten home opener at home against UCLA in heartbreaking fashion last night. UW dropped to 5-3 (0-1 Big Ten) with the loss, marking its second straight defeat after previously falling to Colorado. The difference between the 13-point loss to the Buffaloes and the two-point loss to the Bruins was the presence of Hannes Steinbach, who made his return from injury. Steinbach did as Steinbach does, pouring in 29 points with 10 rebounds and three assists. He was one of four Dawgs to score in double figures, with Zoom Diallo adding 19 while Quimari Peterson and Wesley Yates III scored 12 apiece.
UCLA guard Skyy Clark was a headache for the Dawgs. He was UCLA’s leading scorer down the stretch and made big basket after big basket in crunch time to keep the Bruins in front.
Conference play represents a heightened level of competition, and Washington’s 13 turnovers must change for the Huskies to have success this season. Despite the sloppy play, UW had a chance to win it in the end. The Dawgs have some cleaning up to do, but the potential to be an NCAA Tournament team down the road remains.
Elsewhere, ICYMI Early National Signing Day was Yesterday.