MINNEAPOLIS — In a much-needed breakthrough, the University of Washington men’s basketball team secured its first true road victory of the season, outlasting Minnesota 71-68 in an early Saturday showdown at Williams Arena. Led by standout performances from Tyler Harris and Great Osobor, the Huskies overcame a fierce second-half rally to snap a six-game losing streak and breathe new life into a tough Big Ten campaign.
Sophomore forward Tyler Harris delivered a career-best performance against Big Ten competition, pouring in 23 points on an efficient 9-of-12 shooting, including a perfect 4-for-4 from beyond the arc. His aggressive scoring set the tone early for the Huskies, who controlled the first half and fended off several late surges from the Gophers.
Senior forward Great Osobor played an equally vital role, posting his sixth double-double of the season with 16 points and 10 rebounds. His critical plays in the final minutes — including a go-ahead free throw, a timely putback, and a pivotal defensive strip — proved decisive as Washington (11-10 overall, 2-8 Big Ten) withstood Minnesota’s late push.
Morning Glory for the Huskies
Saturday’s unusual 11 a.m. local tipoff — scheduled to accommodate Big Ten Network television — seemed to suit Washington just fine. In fact, it may have sparked one of the team's most complete performances of the season. By the time it was 11:18 a.m. back in Seattle, the Huskies had secured a much-needed win, showcasing energy and resilience that had often eluded them this season.
From the outset, Washington played with intensity on both ends, dominating the boards (33-25 rebound advantage) and connecting on 7-of-15 three-point attempts. Head coach Danny Sprinkle praised Harris' relentless effort, noting, "It's hard to be consistently good for 40 minutes, and I thought he was."
The Huskies also capitalized on a stroke of luck when Minnesota’s star player Dawson Garcia, the Big Ten's second-leading scorer, picked up his second foul just over ten minutes into the first half. Forced to the bench, Garcia’s absence allowed Washington to extend a slim lead into a 40-30 halftime advantage.
Garcia’s Resurgence Sparks Minnesota Rally
Returning after the break, Garcia quickly made his presence felt, ending a long scoring drought with a series of aggressive plays. His 11 straight points midway through the second half briefly swung momentum in Minnesota’s favor, giving the Gophers (11-11, 3-8 Big Ten) their only lead of the half at 52-51.
Still, Washington refused to crumble. Freshman guard Zoom Diallo responded immediately with a clutch three-point play, part of his 11-point, 5-assist performance, to regain the advantage for UW. As the teams traded punches down the stretch, Osobor’s steady presence ultimately tilted the outcome in the Huskies’ favor.
Despite Garcia’s game-high 28 points, Minnesota was plagued by critical mistakes, including a costly technical foul by Frank Mitchell and a pair of missed free throws by Garcia with just seven seconds remaining. Those errors, coupled with Washington’s perfect free-throw shooting in the final minute from DJ Davis and Mekhi Mason, sealed the Huskies' long-awaited road victory.
Broader Context: A Season Defined by Adversity
The win was significant not just for breaking a losing streak, but for validating the Huskies' perseverance amid one of the nation's toughest schedules. Washington had just endured a brutal stretch against five consecutive ranked opponents, a gauntlet that tested their depth and resolve.
“[The players] deserve it," said Sprinkle postgame. "We've been playing good basketball. We just played the hardest schedule in the country."
Yet, even with Saturday’s triumph, the Huskies remain near the bottom of the Big Ten standings. Upcoming home games against Nebraska (13-8, 3-7 Big Ten) and Northwestern (12-9, 3-7 Big Ten) offer critical opportunities to climb out of last place — and to prove that Saturday’s grit and execution were not a one-off.
Analysis: Signs of Growth, but Challenges Remain
Washington’s improved defensive rebounding, disciplined shot selection, and clutch free-throw shooting offer reasons for cautious optimism. Harris’ evolution into a reliable scoring threat and Osobor’s consistency inside give the Huskies a viable core to build around for the remainder of the season.
Still, questions linger about UW’s ability to sustain this level of performance against stronger opponents, especially with several tough games remaining. Consistency — particularly on defense and under late-game pressure — will be the key if the Huskies hope to turn an encouraging morning win into a legitimate late-season surge.
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