March 18 , 2009

Huskies vs. Mississippi State

{4} Huskies vs. {13} Mississippi State take 3-17-09

The number {4} seed and 2009 PAC -10 champs Washington Huskies men's basketball team have been one of the biggest surprises in college basketball this year at 25-8. Teams which seemed to be cup cakes at the time the Huskies played and beat early out the gate in there non-conference schedule like Cleveland St., Oklahoma St, Morgan St., and Portland St., are all in NCAA tournament this year. The Huskies will have there work cut out for them this Thursday against the {13} seed Mississippi St. Bulldogs.

The Huskies are coming off a second round lost to Arizona State in Pac-10 tournament. In that loss the Huskies shot 7-30 fg. {23%} shooting in the first half. The Huskies where 17-34 {50%} against ASU in the second half and finished shooting 24-64 {37.5 %} from the field for the game. The Huskies cannot start the game off slow against the Bulldogs like the did against ASU. ASU stayed in there zone and forced the Huskies shoot from the perimeter throughout game. Huskies are not a great shooting team from the perimeter {Mid-range}, and three point line. Husky 2 guard Justin Dentmon is there best 3 point shooter at 42%. Justin must have a good start against MSU for the Huskies to win. Justin shot 3-11 against ASU and {4-8 Ft}. Huskies are a slashing team thats gets to free-throw line. Husky and Pac-10 Freshman of the year guard Isaiah Thomas must attack the MSU shot blocker {Jarvis Varnado} by creating contact in the paint. Dribble penetration in a zone can also create open teammates in the low, and high {wings} post.

Huskies senior forward John Brockman must show up against MSU on Thursday. Brockmans' 13 pts 6 reb. and 4 turnovers effort against ASU will not be enough against MSU on Thursday. Brockman must have a double- double like performance for the Huskies to have a chance. If Brockman gets into foul trouble then you must rely on your guards to rebound in his place. Junior Husky Forward Quincy Pondexter could be the X-factor even though must of the time he is the fourth option. Attack, but play with rhythm {Don't over pump fake Husky guards} in the half court against the MSU zone. Make MSU shot blocker Varnado {165 blocks this season} work instead of shooting fade away jumpers in his presents. Make your free throws Huskies, and limit MSU's second shot opportunities. If the Huskies play there game they will move on and advance to Saturday. If the Huskies play out of focus they will be back on the team bus and in Seattle Thursday night with a loss.

-Dre206 3-17-09