Keys to this game are the bigs (Collier, Moreland, and Burton) continuing to peak and support the perimeter play, getting off to a fast start, overcoming physical and psychological fatigue, and sustaining focus. The usual "rebound, play D, and make free throws" of course, too (but I'm getting tired of writing beating that dead horse). D was horrible versus Washigton…guys can't stand around watching and expect to keep advancing. Nelson should be back tonight, which should provide some fresh legs.

I don't have any feel for this game. Does anyone? I think we'll know in the first five minutes. If they aren't fatigued they'll be in it. This is icing on the cake and quite fun–something they and we should enjoy rather than stress over.

Go Beavs.

For the first time in…forever.

The main reason I doubted them in today's game is that I thought they'd be fatigued. Also thought their confidence would be shot, but I was wrong on that. They did look wiped in the second half, played almost no defense, but somehow gutted it out with clutch shots down the stretch. Very weird game. Washington probably doesn't know what hit them. Great win for the program. Should be on the NIT bubble (at worst) after that.

Something else to note: for those who watched the game, you probably noticed the bounces, calls, and missed free throws all went the Beavs way today. Never happens. Is Cinderella warming her slippers?

Beavs lost in Seattle 95-80. Beavs lost in Corvallis 75-72.

So, figure on a neutral court the Huskies should have a 9 point advantage or so. Not an exact science, obviously, but a starting point. It basically shows the Beavers will have to play a relatively flawless game to win. Confidence and other factors are at play. The Beavers were feeling great after dismantling Utah and Colorado, but the Cougars brought them back down to earth a little. Not sure they learned anything from today's game or were battle tested. They played apprehensive down the stretch and looked relieved (almost shocked) to have won it. The Beavs don't usually respond well when they're humbled.

If the Beavers dismantled the Cougs and were firing on all cylinders I'd love their chances versus Washington. That didn't happen, though. Now they have to wake up early tomorrow and face a well-rested #1 seed. I foresee a sluggish start that only gets worse. It really depends how much they want it. Today I saw a team get by on confidence, but they were humbled, and now that confidence is on fumes. It'll take leadership, determination, heart, etc. I haven't see these traits all year, and Washington isn't a team they can out-athlete.

Washington 79, Beavers 68