Washington picks up key conference win vs. Northwestern

Field Level Media|published: Sun 9th February, 24:57 2025

Dec 21, 2024; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats head coach Chris Collins gestures during the second half of a game against the DePaul Blue Demons at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Four players scored in double figures Saturday night and Washington stayed alive for a spot in the Big Ten Conference tournament by rallying for a 76-71 win over visiting Northwestern in Seattle.

Tyler Harris scored 18 points for the Huskies (12-11, 3-9), which snapped a four-game home losing streak. Great Osobor added 16 points and nine rebounds, hitting a layup with 32.0 seconds left that gave Washington a 73-69 edge. DJ Davis came off the bench to tally 15 points and Zoom Diallo contributed 10.

Nick Martinelli scored 19 of his game-high 23 points in the second half and collected 10 rebounds for the Wildcats (13-11, 4-9), who have lost four of their last five. Ty Berry added 14 points and Justin Mullins chipped in 13 but the visitors couldn't overcome the loss of coach Chris Collins. He was ejected after two technicals late in the first half.

Assistant coach Chris Lowery took over and oversaw a comeback from a 14-point second-half deficit. Northwestern led 66-62 on Martinelli's short jumper with 3:42 remaining but Washington scored the next nine points, taking the lead for good on a three-point play by Osobor at the 1:55 mark.

The Huskies overcame 16 turnovers by canning 52.8 percent of their field-goal attempts and outrebounding the Wildcats 34-22.

Both teams came in desperately needing a win. Northwestern was teetering on the cut line for next month's conference tournament, which leaves out the bottom three teams in the 18-team league, and Washington entered the night in last place.

Collins blew his stack at the 3:28 mark of the first half, protesting a no-call. Lead referee Jeffrey Anderson assessed a technical foul as the Huskies set up a play, then quickly gave Collins a second technical and kicked him out.

Davis made all four free throws after the technical to give Washington a 32-22 lead, then sent the hosts to intermission with a 39-30 advantage after a 3-pointer with one second remaining to finish off a 10-point half.

--Field Level Media