Huskies’ Williams sends message to former team

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Jamaal Williams felt he didn’t fit in with a new coach and new system at New Mexico, so he transferred to Washington.

The agile 6-foot-6 forward has proven a fine fit for the Huskies and scored 22 points to lead No. 13 Washington to an 81-71 victory over the Lobos on Saturday.

“I was very excited to get a chance to play against them. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity since it is my senior season,” Williams said after his 10-of-16 shooting performance helped the Huskies (8-0) to their best start in 36 years.

Williams left New Mexico after two years, unhappy that coach Fran Fraschilla was let go and unhappy with his role in new coach Ritchie McKay’s system.

“I feel like I was closing the chapter on the whole New Mexico thing,” Williams said after his big day against the Lobos. “The motivation was definitely there, with a guy I used to play for, former teammates.

“How can you not get up for this game?”

Washington led by as many as 20 points in the first half and never trailed in the game.

New Mexico (4-3) closed within one point on Mark Walters’ 3-pointer midway through the second half before the Huskies pulled away to win the opening contest of the 12th annual John R. Wooden Classic.

Washington coach Lorenzo Romar sounded relieved.

“Prior to the final horn going off, we made a lot of mistakes,” he said. “They took a lot of our strengths away and did a good job. We tried to force it a bit too much and allowed them back in the game.”

Brandon Roy added 18 points, Bobby Jones had 11 points and seven rebounds, and Justin Dentmon had 11 points for the Huskies.

Walters topped the Lobos with 21 points, and Tony Danridge had 15.

New Mexico rallied from a 43-26 halftime deficit to pull within 58-57 with 11:02 remaining.

Washington then regained control over the next 2 minutes, as Williams made a three-point play and reserve Hans Gasser hit three consecutive baskets and the Huskies rebuilt the lead to 67-59.

Washington 81, New Mexico 71

New Mexico (4-3)—Chiotti 3-4 2-3 8, Harden 0-0 0-0 0, Collins 0-1 3-4 3, Walter 8-15 0-2 21, Danridge 7-11 1-2 15, Kersten 1-4 0-0 3, Hart 0-3 0-0 0, Toppert 0-1 0-0 0, Prochaska 5-8 0-2 10, Faris 0-0 0-0 0, Box 3-3 4-4 11. Totals 27-50 10-17 71.

Washington (8-0)—Jones Jr. 4-7 3-4 11, Williams 10-16 2-4 22, Brockman 2-7 1-1 5, Roy 6-12 6-7 18, Dentmon 3-8 3-3 10, Smith 2-4 0-2 4, Burmeister 0-0 0-0 0, Appleby 1-4 0-0 3, Wallace 1-1 0-0 2, Gasser 3-5 0-0 6. Totals 32-64 15-21 81.

Halftime—Washington 43, New Mexico 26. 3-point goals—New Mexico 7-17 (Walter 5-9, Box 1-1, Kersten 1-3, Danridge 0-1, Toppert 0-1, Hart 0-2), Washington 2-9 (Appleby 1-3, Dentmon 1-3, Roy 0-1, Jones Jr. 0-2). Fouled out—None. Rebounds—New Mexico 29 (Prochaska 9), Washington 35 (Jones Jr. 7). Assists—New Mexico 16 (Collins 6), Washington 12 (Roy, Williams 3). Total fouls—New Mexico 21, Washington 20. A—NA.