Huskies Lose in OT to Rutgers and Its Freshman Phenoms as Danny Sprinkle Has Blunt Assessment

Huskies Fall in Overtime to Rutgers and Its Star Freshmen

The University of Washington basketball team was unable to handle the impressive play of Rutgers’ freshmen, Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, as they suffered an 89-85 overtime loss at Alaska Airlines Arena on Wednesday night. Harper led all scorers with 34 points, and Bailey added 18, leading the Scarlet Knights to a dramatic win.

Harper, a 6-foot-6 guard, played a major role in the victory, making 9 of 18 shots, including 4 of 8 from three-point range, and hitting 12 of 14 free throws. Bailey’s contributions, including crucial free throws late in the game, sealed the win for Rutgers.

Washington (13-13, 4-11) had a chance to improve its position for Big Ten Tournament eligibility, but the loss kept them in 16th place, tied with Northwestern. With only five games left in the conference schedule, their hopes of making the postseason are now uncertain.

The game saw intense back-and-forth action, with the lead changing hands multiple times in the final minutes of regulation. After Harper’s free throws to open overtime, Rutgers maintained control. Washington’s Great Osobor fouled out late in regulation, and Mekhi Mason followed in overtime, further hindering the Huskies’ chances.

Mason and freshman Zoom Diallo each scored 20 points to lead the Huskies, with Osobor and Tyler Harris adding 17 points apiece. Despite the close contest, with no team leading by more than six points throughout, Washington couldn’t close out the win.

The game was tightly contested throughout, with a series of lead changes and ties. The Huskies had a 21-15 advantage early, but Rutgers capitalized on Harper’s scoring surge, going into halftime with a 42-29 lead. The second half was equally competitive, with both teams exchanging the lead, but Washington couldn’t stop Harper’s final push, leading to overtime.

In the closing seconds of overtime, Diallo’s layup brought Washington within two points, but a missed three-pointer by Diallo in the final moments sealed the loss for the Huskies.

Head coach Danny Sprinkle called it a “brutal loss,” acknowledging how crucial the game was for his team. Washington will now look to bounce back as they face Iowa on Saturday, where they will aim to keep their tournament hopes alive.