Huskies Dominate Ducks with Statement Win in Seattle
SEATTLE - With their backs against the wall and NCAA Tournament hopes hanging in the balance, the Washington Huskies delivered the kind of performance that can shift the trajectory of a season. After dropping five of their last six, the Huskies came out swinging Thursday night and never looked back, dismantling the Oregon Ducks 72-57 at Alaska Airlines Arena.
This wasn’t just a win - it was a statement. Washington improved to 11-9 on the season and 3-6 in Big Ten play, but more importantly, showed what this team is capable of when things click on both ends of the floor.
From the opening tip, the Huskies set the tone. They jumped out to a 14-2 lead, fueled by crisp ball movement, physical defense, and a confident shooting stroke.
Senior forward Jacob Ognacevic capped that early run with a smooth three-pointer - one of his four makes from beyond the arc on just five attempts. All of his 12 points came from deep, and he added a rebound, an assist, and a steal in a sharp, efficient outing.
“It’s nice to be back,” Ognacevic said after the game, reflecting on his return from injury. “Each game I’m feeling more comfortable… I get better stamina each game, too.”
The Huskies never let Oregon get closer than seven points in the first half. A late 12-4 burst gave Washington a 34-19 lead at the break - the fewest points the Huskies have allowed in a half all season. That defensive intensity was matched by a relentless effort on the boards.
Washington absolutely owned the glass, out-rebounding Oregon 45-23 for the game. The Huskies grabbed a jaw-dropping 18 offensive rebounds - compared to just one for the Ducks. That kind of second-chance dominance doesn’t just pad stats, it demoralizes opponents and creates momentum-shifting plays.
Senior center Franck Kepnang was a force in the paint, posting a double-double with 10 points and a career-high 14 rebounds. Seven of those boards came on the offensive end, and he added two steals and two blocks to round out a gritty, all-around performance.
“During the game, I just get so lost within the game that points, rebounds, blocks - it doesn’t matter for me,” Kepnang said. “The only thing that matters is what can I do to impact the win. Impact the game each possession.”
Freshman forward Hannes Steinbach may not have had his most efficient night shooting (3-for-16), but his impact was undeniable. He pulled down 13 rebounds, handed out four assists (a team high), and chipped in with 10 points, two steals, and a block. Even when the shots weren’t falling, he found ways to contribute - a trait coaches love to see from young players.
Washington’s balance was on full display. Five players scored in double figures, and eight of the nine who saw the floor registered multiple points. That kind of depth gives the Huskies a chance to compete every night, especially when the defense and rebounding are this locked in.
In the second half, sophomore guard Zoom Diallo came alive. He scored all 12 of his points after halftime, adding two rebounds, two assists, and a steal. His energy and shot-making helped the Huskies maintain a double-digit cushion throughout the final 20 minutes.
Senior guard Quimari Peterson also chipped in with 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting, including a pair of threes. He added three assists and a rebound, playing a steady hand in the backcourt.
Washington’s lead ballooned to as much as 20 in the second half, and Oregon never got closer than 12. It was a wire-to-wire effort - the kind of win that can reignite a season.
Next up, the Huskies face a big test on the road against No. 11 Illinois at State Farm Center.
Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. PT on Jan.
- If Washington can bring this level of intensity and execution into Champaign, they’ll have a real shot at making some noise down the stretch.