Grudge Match It’s Not, But Seattle vs. UW Basketball Should Be Fun

If you want an idea of just how fierce the basketball rivalry between the University of Washington and Seattle University has gotten, know that this morning, on the day of the game between the two schools, Washington coach Lorenzo Romar appeared at an SU fundraising breakfast. At this point, it’s not so much brother vs. brother as rich uncle humoring poor nephew.

Seattle U is in the final year of its transition back to Division I, our nation’s top division of collegiate athletics. Next season, the Redhawks will once again be eligible for the NCAA basketball tournament. Doesn’t seem likely that they’ll get there, not next year, and probably not the year after that. Dollar’s Redhawks are just 3-10 this season, and the future is gloomy, with leading scorer Aaron Broussard and leading rebounder Eric Wallace set to graduate at year’s end.

Washington hasn’t had a particularly inspiring year either, with embarrassing blowout losses to St. Louis, Colorado, and South Dakota State. Freshman phenom Tony Wroten has progressed steadily as the year has gone on–he may win Pac-12 Player of the Year. But Wroten and the rest of the Husky guards and wings have been substandard on defense, forcing few turnovers and allowing too many open shots.

Today’s game isn’t nearly as compelling as the legendary 1953 meeting between the two schools, but should be a fun one–both Washington and Seattle U play a very up-tempo style. Expect many fast breaks and several outstanding dunks. Expect also a Washington blowout. It’s not that the Huskies are unbeatable, but the teams that have given Washington the most trouble this season are great outside shooting teams–SU is not one, ranking 303rd in the country in 3-point shooting percentage.

The Huskies have dominated the “rivalry” the past two seasons, winning by 47 points in 2010 and by 21 points last season. I guess SU’s getting closer? Game is at 7 p.m. tonight at Hec Ed, it will be televised live on ROOT Sports.