Since about mid-January the two University of Washington basketball programs have been on divergent paths, both arriving at the postseason, although at differing levels. Both did make the second round of their respective tournaments. Although that's as far as the men's program would get before running into the San Diego Aztecs.
Traveling down to San Diego, the Huskies could not overcome Winston Shepard's 20 points and 10 rebounds, with Trey Kell adding 16 points to lead San Diego State to a 93-78 victory. The Aztecs came in the favored squad, and understandably so, they had made seven straight NCAA Tournament appearances before this year.
Shepard was coming off an even stronger game in the first round, recording the first triple-double in San Diego State history, and helped propel the Aztecs to a fast start that proved insurmountable for the Huskies. Even with a 15-2 run in the second half to pull to within 69-64, before losing 93-78.
The young bucks led the way for the Dawgs, Rainier Beach product Dejounte Murray continued his strong audition for NBA eyes by leading the UW with 20 points and Marquese Chriss followed suit with 19. Leading scorer senior Andrew Andrews capped his collegiate career with 17 points in the effort.
With his career over at Washington, the next step awaits Andrews. This year he finally got to play point guard, his natural position that he played his whole life until he got to Seattle. He showed he can play the position, but where does he belong at the next level? Judging by the NBA Draft sites, he will likely make a stop in the D-League or Europe. According to DraftExpress.com, Andrews is the 72nd ranked senior in the 2016 draft class.
Switching over to the women, they came into the tournament as the no. 7 seed, and as a reward for their first-round win they got to face the no. 2 seed Maryland Terrapins. Normally the Huskies need a big time performance from star Kelsey Plum to overcome such a strong opponent, but Kevin Neighbors got a very complete performance from his entire team.
Though Plum led the way per usual with 32 points, Talia Walton finished with 20 points and had game clinching 3-pointer. Chantel Osahor ripped down 15 rebounds, helping Washington outrebound the No. 1 team on the boards in the country. The Huskies won 74-65 on Maryland's home court to advance to the Sweet 16.
This year marks the first time since 2001 that the Huskies have advanced to the Sweet 16. That year they made it to the Elite 8. Next up for Plum and co. are the third-seeded Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.
Photo: Flickr/Neon Tommy
