Washington University Triumphs Over Oregon
In a pivotal matchup on Sunday, Washington University secured a convincing 72-57 victory against their long-standing rivals, Oregon, at home in Seattle. This win broke a disappointing four-game losing streak in this high-stakes series, which ranks as the second-most frequently contested in NCAA Division I basketball history, with Washington now leading 193-125 overall.
Key Player Performances
Both Franck Kepnang and Hannes Steinbach made significant contributions to the Huskies’ triumph, each recording double-doubles. Kepnang finished the game with 10 points and a remarkable 14 rebounds, while Steinbach matched his scoring output with 10 points and added 13 boards. Support from teammates Quimari Peterson, Zoom Diallo, and Jacob Ognacevic, each scoring 12 points, helped establish a strong offensive front.
Oregon’s Struggles
On the other side, Oregon’s efforts were led by Sean Stewart, who tallied 15 points, with Kwame Evans Jr. chipping in 11. However, the Ducks’ struggle began early in the game; they converted only one of their first ten shot attempts, allowing Washington to sprint out to a commanding 14-2 lead in the initial seven minutes.
Game Highlights
Despite two attempts by Oregon to narrow the gap to seven points, the Huskies responded decisively. A 10-0 run, highlighted by five points from Peterson, pushed Washington’s lead to 34-19 at halftime. The second half posed challenges for Oregon, who managed only seven shots in the first 14 minutes, although they found some success at the charity stripe, shooting 20 of 23 from the free-throw line in the final half and 24 out of 28 overall for the game.
Washington maintained control throughout the contest, leading by 17 points at 61-44 with five minutes remaining. A highlight moment came when Kepnang executed a powerful dunk, followed by Peterson hitting a three-pointer, further solidifying their lead at 70-53 as the game neared its conclusion.
Looking Ahead
In their next match-up, Oregon (8-12, 1-8 in Big Ten conference play) will return home to face UCLA on Wednesday, while Washington (11-9, 3-6) is set to challenge the 11th-ranked Illinois on Thursday. This victory is significant for the Huskies, signaling a potential turnaround as they continue their conference campaign.
