:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68501537/usa_today_13928237.0.jpg)
It’s once again time to face our most hated foes, the Washington Huskies. Last time we saw the pups, our lord and savior Payton Pritchard broke the Huskies hearts in Seattle with his game-winning three-pointer in OT. That honestly feels like a lifetime ago, but yet here we are. While we won’t be getting the Husky double-header we should be due to the football game getting canceled, this is still a big game for the Ducks and their fans.
Washington Huskies
Head Coach: Mike Hopkins
2019-20 Record: 15-17 (5-13 Pac-12)
Key Players: Quade Green, Nate Roberts, Erik Stevenson
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22164333/usa_today_15262795.jpg)
With the football game gone, this game is Oregon’s only shot of holding any 2020 bragging rights over the Huskies. While Oregon enters the contest 3-1, Washington comes in at 1-3 after picking up their first win against Seattle on Wednesday. While it was an impressive win, it comes on the heels of three rough losses to Baylor, Utah and UC Riverside. The Huskies performance in this game should give their fans a better idea of what to expect from their team this year.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22164334/usa_today_15295654.jpg)
As far as Oregon goes, the Ducks are rolling, coming off their third straight win, an 87-66 blowout over Florida A&M. Chris Duarte has continued the strong play he showcased last year, and N’Faly Dante had what could be his breakout game, scoring 22pts and 5 rebounds. The Ducks have a few things to figure out, like Amauri Hardy’s slow start, but overall Oregon has looked solid since their season-opening loss to Missouri.
Washington had a rough run last year, the loss to Oregon was the first in a nine game skid for the Huskies, and their three leading scorers from last year are no longer on the team. Junior guard Quade Green is the only Husky currently averaging double-digit points. And yet, Oregon can’t afford not to take Washington seriously. Big rivalries tend to bring out the best in both teams, meaning this could be a close game, regardless of the perceived talent on either team going in. I know I’m 0-2 so far in predictions, but I’m confident the Ducks won’t let me down this time. I’m going 74-67 Ducks.