The University of Washington men’s basketball team suffered a narrow defeat against the UCLA Bruins, losing 82-80 on March 13, 2024, at Alaska Airlines Arena. Despite a standout performance by freshman Hannes Steinbach, who scored 29 points and grabbed nine rebounds, the Huskies could not secure the win as they fell behind early and struggled to maintain momentum throughout the game.
Steinbach, who had missed three previous games due to injury, made an immediate impact upon his return. Just 13 seconds into the match, he executed a left-handed layup, signaling to the crowd and his opponents that he was back in form. Less than a minute later, he added another basket, bringing the score to 4-0. By the 18:28 mark, he had already driven past a Bruins defender, showcasing his agility and skill, and pushed Washington to an early 6-0 lead.
Unfortunately for the Huskies, the rest of the team was slow to respond. Although they initially led by as much as 11 points, the Bruins, led by senior guard Skyy Clark, quickly closed the gap. Clark, a former player at Louisville, played a pivotal role, sinking his first six three-pointers and finishing the game with 25 points. His performance was crucial in shifting the momentum as UCLA surged back to take control.
With the game tied at 36-36, Steinbach was forced to the bench after picking up his second foul with 5:19 remaining in the first half. During his absence, UCLA capitalized, ending the half with a 36-32 lead thanks in part to Clark’s last-second three-pointer. Steinbach managed to score 13 points within just 14 minutes of play by halftime.
As the second half began, UCLA adjusted their strategy, with Tyler Bilodeau stepping up to score 10 points in quick succession. Bilodeau’s aggressive play drew a third foul on Steinbach, exacerbating the Huskies’ struggles. The Bruins extended their lead to 49-39 early in the half, and Washington found themselves playing catch-up.
Despite a late-game surge, the Huskies could not overcome the deficit. With 36.7 seconds left, Quimari Peterson hit a critical three-pointer, narrowing the score to 78-77. Clark’s subsequent free throws pushed UCLA ahead by four points. Though Zoom Diallo managed to score and draw a foul, bringing the score to 81-80, the Huskies could not capitalize in the final moments. A missed halfcourt shot sealed their fate as the game concluded.
This loss marks the second consecutive defeat for Washington, dropping their record to 5-3 overall and 0-1 in the Big Ten Conference. The Huskies now prepare to face the unbeaten USC Trojans, who hold an impressive 8-0 record, in a challenging matchup set for Saturday.
The game showcased Steinbach’s potential and skill; however, his teammates will need to step up if they hope to find success against tough opponents moving forward.
