USC: Breaking down the match-ups between Washington and Oregon State
By Jason Reed
Match-up vs. Washington
The Washington Huskies should not be overly confident in the first round against the Oregon State Beavers. Although Washington was the better team throughout the season, they did not have great success against the Beavers.
The two teams split the season series at one game apiece. In the first game, in Oregon, the Beavers walked away with a narrow 97-94 victory that took two overtimes. In the second contest, in Washington, the Huskies walked away with a 79-77 victory after a late run.
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It is safe to say that the two teams were fairly even this season. Anything can happen in the first round. For the Trojans, Oregon State is the better match-up.
Washington and USC faced each other just once in the regular season. Despite the Trojans being the home team, the Huskies were able to walk away with an 88-81 victory. Noah Dickerson scored 17 and grabbed seven boards while Washington did not relinquish the lead for the entire second half.
Bennie Boatwright and Chimezie Metu practically put the entire team on their backs, combining for 50 of the teams 81 points. However, the Trojans are without Boatwright, putting the responsibility solely on Metu.
While it is safe to expect a big night out of Metu, the Trojans are going to need a very well-rounded performance in order to come away with the victory. If not, Dickerson and the Huskies may be able to come away with another, fairly easy, victory.
Next: UCLA first round matchups
Trojan fans should not be terrified of the Washington Huskies. However, I would be pretty cautious if that is who the Trojans indeed match-up with come Thursday.