Huskies falter in crunch time
UW lets second-half advantage slip away
RENO, Nev. – Washington had no defense for Deonte Burton, who had the game of his life. Nevada’s sophomore point guard blew past whomever the Huskies put in front him and torched them for 31 points in a 76-73 overtime victory for the Wolf Pack.
Terrence Ross led UW with 18 points. Burton blew past freshman guard Tony Wroten Jr. and drilled a 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds remaining in regulation to force the extra period.
Washington (4-2) led 70-66 before Burton took over. He scored eight consecutive points for the Nevada, including a long jumper over C.J. Wilcox that put the Wolf Pack (5-3) up for good with a 71-70 lead.
When Washington cut the deficit to one point at 74-73, Burton darted into the lane and drew several defenders before dishing to Kevin Panzer for an open midrange, baseline jumper.
Trailing by three, Washington missed two shots at the end, including Darnell Gant’s potential game-tying 3-pointer that was blocked.
Washington appeared to be headed to an easy victory when Wroten sank a layup that put the Huskies ahead 53-44 with 11:07 remaining.
However, Nevada made a run at the end of regulation.
Washington led in the opening minutes, but trailed for most of the first half and fell behind 19-11 with 8 minutes remaining before the break.
The Wolf Pack rattled the Huskies with their defenses. Nevada used a full-court press and also a 2-3 zone at times.