Basketball Resilience in Vegas: UW's Hard-Fought Victory Over Xavier

It unfolded as one of those classic tales of overcoming adversity in Las Vegas, a narrative not commonly experienced by everyone.

After enduring a series of losses on Friday night in close proximity to the bustling casinos, the University of Washington basketball team defied the odds by relying on sheer grit and determination. They secured a hard-fought 74-71 victory against a talented Xavier team in the Continental Tire Main Event at T-Mobile Arena.

Facing numerous challenges, including a dismal performance from beyond the arc and a significant early deficit, the Huskies (3-1) demonstrated resilience. Despite the team's struggles, they managed to exploit Xavier's foul troubles and clinched a satisfying win, showcasing a level of maturity typically associated with veteran teams, even though these players are still in the process of building chemistry. The victory sets the stage for the UW's participation in the championship game against San Diego State on Sunday at 7 p.m., with San Diego State having triumphed 79-54 over St. Mary's in the preceding game.

In a relatively sparse T-Mobile Arena, the Huskies introduced 6-foot-11 Franck Kepnang into the starting lineup for the first time this season, marking their third different starting center. Kepnang's imposing physical presence inside caused early foul trouble for Xavier, resulting in two starters, including leading scorer Demond Claude, fouling out. Kepnang, a one-time Oregon transfer, not only contributed eight crucial points, including pivotal baskets down the stretch, but also secured a career-high 12 rebounds and two blocked shots.

With the game hanging in the balance, Kepnang's dunk and timely scoring by Moses Wood, a Portland transfer, played pivotal roles in securing the lead for the Huskies. Brooks, the UW's leading scorer, found his rhythm in the second half, finishing with a game-high 20 points. Additionally, point guard Sahvir Wheeler, a transfer from Kentucky, kept the team afloat early on with 18 points, 12 of which came in the opening half.

Despite a challenging first half where they shot only 28 percent, the UW concluded the game with a more respectable 35.4 percent shooting accuracy. Notably, the team struggled from beyond the arc, converting only 3 of 16 attempts—a testament to their reliance on other facets of the game for success.

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