When the Washington Huskies and the Washington State Cougars re-new their rivalry tonight in Pullman, the stakes will be high for both teams.
The reason why the game is big for Washington is because their in a dog fight for the Pac 10 regular season title. The Huskies are off to one of their best starts in conference play since 1986. If the Huskies want to hold on top spot in the Pac 10 they have to win tonight. Arizona is playing good basketball right now and are right on the Huskies tail. Furthermore, Washington will have to show that they can handle adversity and there is no better place in the Pac 10 to show that they can handle adversity and get a win in a tough environment. If the Huskies can get a win in a tough environment it would help their confidence significantly.
For the Cougars, the game is massive for a lot of reasons. The main reason that this game is a big game for the Cougars is because the Cougar don't have that big win with the exception of the Baylor game. It would help their resume if they beat Washington. Also, the Cougars have had trouble winning on the road this year and a loss would put them in spot for them to have to win a few games on the road before the Pac 10 Tournament in early March.
Game Notes
Tonight's game will be the 271st meeting between these two teams. Washington leads the series 172-98 and is currently on a four game winning streak. The four game winning streak was in response of the seven game winning streak the Cougars had from 2006 - 2008.
No one on the Cougars roster has ever beaten the Huskies. You may not think that this is very important but it is. The Huskies have not only beaten the Cougars four straight times but also have lots of experience from big games in the Pac 10 Tournament and NCAA Tournament in past years, which should definitely help in this crucial game tonight.
My Pick....
This game tonight could easily go either way. The Huskies have more talent and a deeper bench which should help them in a close game. However, the Huskies will have to weather the Cougars early storm. The Cougars have had eight days to sit on their heartbreaking 65-63 loss. If the Huskies weather the early storm, they will win going away with help from an Isaiah Thomas double double. In contrast, if the Huskies can't weather the storm they might be in for a long night. Personally, I think the Huskies will be in for a long night. Klay Thompson is too good of a player to let his team down He is due to have a good game against Washington. He will score 27 points and the Cougars will win 76-64.
The game starts at 7pm and is on TV on FSN.
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