Huskies’ defense seeks improvement against stingy Beavers

  • By Don Ruiz The News Tribune
  • Saturday, February 7, 2015 7:50pm
  • SportsSports

SEATTLE — The Washington Huskies are on the road again, and coach Lorenzo Romar hopes they remembered to pack their defense this time.

UW is on a four-game losing streak, and in each loss they have allowed their opponents to hit more than 50 percent of their shots from the field.

“We’ve got to keep people in front of us,” Romar said Saturday. “That’s easier said than done, but that’s what we have to do. We have to have maximum concentration when we’re in front of the basketball. Sometimes we close out, and we don’t have a great angle when we close out, they drive around us. We have to do a better job containing the ball screen. Sometimes … we don’t switch quick enough, and those are allowing teams to get to the rim on us more than we should.”

Romar saw his team’s 78-74 loss at Oregon on Wednesday as an improvement over their 90-88 home loss to California on Feb. 1.

“We did a lot of good things — not enough to win the ball game, though,” he said. “(Oregon is) a team that can get out and really burn you in transition. I thought we did a good job of limiting their production in terms of transition baskets. I thought we did a good job offensively: shot the ball well, but moreso in the paint. I was pleased with how many we scored in the paint with our guards able to get in the lane and make layups.”

That could be more difficult against the Beavers, who are 13-0 at Gill Coliseum, equaling the school record.

Their key has been defense, as Oregon State leads the Pac-12 in field-goal-percentage defense and 3-point field-goal-percentage defense and is second in scoring defense, steals and turnover margin. Their numbers are even better at home.

“They’re disciplined, yet with Gary Payton II out there, he’s pretty good at getting steals and turnovers,” Romar said. “… It’s zone and they give you a basic look, but they can adjust and give you different looks within it. Sometimes that can get teams to think. Sometimes when you think, you’re not playing basketball and consequently you turn the ball over.”

Oregon State’s offensive numbers don’t jump out as dramatically, but Romar said it’s up to the Huskies to keep them that way.

“Cal hadn’t been (an offensive juggernaut) either in their recent games,” he said. “We did a very poor job against them, and they became better that night. We can’t let that happen (again). … Oregon State obviously plays some stingy defense. So we’re going to have to find ways to put the ball in the basket, as well as not letting them go and score more points than they’ve score recently.”

Romar said all of that from the Washington campus, where the Huskies returned after the midweek loss at Eugene. He explained that splitting this trip into two parts allowed his players to return not only to class but to their own beds and familiar surroundings.

The team flew back down Saturday afternoon after practicing at Hec Edmundson Pavilion.

“From a basketball perspective, the Wednesday to Sunday road trips, I don’t think teams fare very well on those: You’re just gone for so long,” he said. “… If it were going down to Los Angeles, going down and coming back, that’s a different story. But we’re just right around the corner, so I think this is going to work out better.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.