SEATTLE – If the University of Washington coaching staff has doubts as to forward Breanne Watson’s availability for this week’s Pacific-10 Conference Tournament, Watson certainly doesn’t.
“I’m a little sore, but I’m pretty good,” Watson said. “I’m ready to get out there.”
Watson, the Huskies’ starting forward, has been out since dislocating her right shoulder Feb. 7 in Washington’s 72-70 victory against USC. She has been given the OK by team doctors to resume practice this week, which will determine her availability for the tournament.
“I have full range of motion, so I’m pretty confident,” Watson said. “I’m a little sore, but it’s like it’s bruised.”
Watson, a true freshman, missed the Huskies’ last five games of the regular season. She had averaged 6.4 points and 4.0 rebounds a game and was earning a reputation as being one of the team’s most physical players.
Watson injured the shoulder in the second half against the Women of Troy. While diving for a loose ball, she became tangled with two USC players and dislocated the joint. Team doctors were able to pop it back in, but the prognosis was that she would have to sit out at least the rest of the regular season.
“It’s a wait-and-see situation, which is not unusual with these types of injuries,” UW coach June Daugherty said.
Ironically, the sixth-seeded Huskies (16-11) face third-seed USC (15-12) in their opening game of the tournament, at 11 a.m. Saturday.
The Huskies also have senior guard Gioconda Mendiola back. Daugherty suspended Mendiola from Washington’s season finale against Arizona for her part in a slapping incident involving Arizona State guard Kylan Loney.
“It’s a big difference having them back,” UW guard Giuliana Mendiola said. “They are two big keys to our success this whole year. It was difficult having Gio out because she does a lot of the ball-handling. Arizona pressed us a lot, so not having that ball-handler on the court made it very difficult.
“Bre plays with great intensity and has scoring ability inside. She also runs the floor well. They’re two big reasons for us winning. Having them back is going to be a big boost for us.”
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