Keion Brooks poured in a career-high 30 points, including a three-point play that broke a tie with 2:20 remaining, and Washington held on for a 74-68 nonconference victory over visiting Cal Poly on Tuesday night in Seattle.
After the Mustangs (5-4) had led by 15 points in the first half, the Huskies (8-3) found themselves in a 60-60 tie before Brooks’ hoop and subsequent foul shot put them in front for good.
Cole Bajema’s layup and Keyon Menifield’s jumper extended Washington’s advantage to seven, setting the stage for seven foul shots — three by Brooks — to secure Washington’s fifth victory in its last seven games.
Brooks’ 30 points bettered by three his previous career best, which he had posted for Kentucky last January at Kansas.
Bajema chipped in 13 points and Braxton Meah 11 for the Huskies, who outshot the Mustangs 45.8 percent to 42.9 percent.
Chance Hunter and Trevon Taylor led a balanced Cal Poly attack with 13 points apiece. Nick Fleming added 12 and Alimamy Koroma 10.
Nine of Hunter’s 13 points came on 3-pointers, helping the visitors outscore Washington 24-18 from beyond the arc.
Taylor and Washington’s Meah shared game-high rebound honors with eight apiece.
Coming off a loss at Gonzaga, the Huskies fell behind 25-10 before gradually closing the gap to 35-24 by halftime and 51-44 with 11:38 to play.
A three-point play by PJ Fuller then sparked a 12-point run; and, when Brooks hit a jumper with 6:47 left, suddenly the Huskies were up 56-51.
A 3-pointer by Fleming drew Cal Poly even at 58 — the first of two ties before Brooks’ key three-point play.
–Field Level Media