Maui Invitational Day Three

The Washington Huskies yesterday showed that they could play with almost any team in the nation as they fought hard but came up on the short end of the stick against #2 Michigan State in a 76-71 Bronze medal game. The Huskies, who built a 44-34 lead at halftime were not able to put the game away as missed free throws and empty possessions down the stretch proved to be the difference.

However, you half to feel optimistic as a Huskies fan for this season. This Maui Invitational was one of the most competitive tournaments of all time. Washington could of easily won all of their games this tournament . Also, Michigan State and Kentucky will be the two best teams the Huskies will play all year until March.

The bottom line in the game is that Michigan State coach Tom Izzo out Coached Lorenzo Romar. During the last few minutes of the game every sideline play Izzo drew up out of a timeout work to perfection, In contrast Romar's sideline plays were anything  but perfection.

It is often said in big time games your best players have to be your best players and in the last two games for Washington that hasn't happened. Matthew Bryan Amaning missed key three throws down down the stretch. None more bigger when he went 1/2 from the charity stripe with 14 seconds to go in the game. Just brings me back to the Texas Tech game last year.

Sure the Huskies are right their. The Huskies didn't play the best they could of played but they only lost by five points. The problem with this Washington team is that they're in a very weak Pac 10 this year. The situation is very similar to last years situation. Last year the Huskies were 21-9 entering the Pac 10 tournament and had to win all three games just to get in to NCAA tournament and get a 11 seed. This is why every game this year will feel like a playoff game.

Kalian Lucas had a good game for Michigan St. and so did Durrell Summers. Draymond Green filled in admirably off the bench with 12 points.

The Huskies will now have five days to re-group and work on their offensive sets, rebounding and free throws before they take on Long Beach St. on Tuesday at 8pm.

Yesterday's Final:


 Kemba Walker put Uconn on his shoulders last night as Uconn soared to 84-67 win over Brendon Kinght ad the Kentucky Wildcats. Kentucky was not able to over come a 50-29 deficit at halftime. With the win Uconn is a better team than most experts predicted. We will see if the hype will continue as they should get tested most nights when Big East play starts in January. For Kentucky, the Wildcats showed that their not as they were last year. We will see if Enes Kanter ever gets to play this year. If not this team I think a year away from being a great team.