SEATTLE (AP) – True freshman Keyon Menifield hit four three-pointers and scored 26 points in his second start and Washington rallied to beat Utah Tech 78-67 on Monday night.
Menifield’s effort helped the Huskies get off to a 3-0 start for the first time since the 2015-16 season.
“It’s all about winning,” Head Coach Mike Hopkins said after the game. “I want to be winning at the end of the year. But first, we want to be really prepared when we play in conference.”
After scoring 21 in his first start last time out, Menifield scored 15 in the second half after the Huskies trailed 36-34 at intermission. He made 9 of 14 shots, including four of six from three-point range. Cole Bajema sank three three-pointers and all five of his free throws, scoring 16. As a team, the Huskies shot 12-for-20 from long range, marking the first time the team shot 60 percent or better from distance since 2017.
Tanner Christensen scored 16 of his 26 points in the first half for Utah Tech (1-2). Isaiah Pope scored 13. Christensen’s layup gave Utah Tech a 53-47 lead with 12:20 left to play. Jamal Bey sank a three-pointer to give Washington a 59-58 lead with 8:56 remaining. Braxton Meah followed with a dunk off a fast break and Menifield hit a stepback three to push the lead to six and the Huskies never trailed again.
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?? https://t.co/Oe9gRWTaX6#TougherTogether pic.twitter.com/ShtuSzXLDF— Washington Men’s Basketball (@UW_MBB) November 15, 2022
Washington shot 55% overall and 63.6% in the second half. Utah Tech shot just under 41% and made 7 of 24 from distance (29.2%).
Next, the Huskies welcome California Baptist to Alaska Airlines Arena on Thursday night.
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