Franck Kepnang glad to be back as Washington faces Minnesota

Field Level Media|published: Fri 31st January, 16:07 2025

Dec 9, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies center Franck Kepnang (11) and forward Keion Brooks Jr. (1) celebrate during the first half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Over the previous two seasons, Franck Kepnang had played one half of one conference game for Washington due to injuries.

He surpassed that last week against UCLA and is expected to play Saturday when the Huskies (10-10, 1-8 Big Ten) try to snap a six-game losing streak against Minnesota (11-10, 3-7) in Minneapolis.

Kepnang, a 6-foot-11 center who transferred from Oregon in 2022, was hurt in the Pac-12 Conference opener against Oregon State in 2023 and was injured again last season before conference play even began.

In 21 minutes against the Bruins, who like Washington moved to the Big Ten this season, Kepnang had seven points, eight rebounds and two blocked shots.

"It's like he's fresh and renewed," Huskies coach Danny Sprinkle said of Kepnang. "He played like he always does. He knows one speed, which is what makes him a special player. I thought he looked terrific out there."

Persistent knee injuries have kept Kepnang sidelined, including one this season that has limited him to three games.

"It was a blessing," Kepnang said of playing last weekend. "It's been a long way coming. A lot of hard work and hours put in to be ready to play with my teammates. It was definitely a good thing and a joy to be out there with my teammates and to be able to compete."

Forward Great Osobor, a preseason all-Big Ten selection, leads the Huskies in scoring (15.5 points per game), rebounding (8.6), assists (3.2) and steals (2.1). Five of the Huskies' six straight losses have come against ranked teams before Friday's 65-60 defeat to UCLA.

The Golden Gophers had a three-game winning streak snapped with a 73-51 loss Tuesday at No. 7 Michigan State.

Dawson Garcia scored 21 for Minnesota, his sixth straight game with 20 or more points. Garcia, a 6-foot-11 forward, leads the team with 19.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.

Minnesota committed 11 first-half turnovers against the Spartans in falling behind 36-16 at intermission.

"It was a little bit of a jolt to our guys," Golden Gophers coach Ben Johnson said. "For us it kind of snowballed. There was no rhythm that we got into offensively. I didn't feel like anybody really established themselves or got comfortable."

--Field Level Media

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