The transformation of Washington (16-4, 6-3 Pac-12) in the post-Lorenzo Romar era has been greatly credited to its defense. When former Syracuse assistant Mike Hopkins took the head job in Seattle, he brought the vaunted 2-3 zone with him.
For No. 25 ASU (16-6, 4-6), the zone defense has been its kryptonite all season long — Thursday was no different.
Sun Devil guard Mickey Mitchell was driving from the corner with less than 20 seconds to play in what would be a 68-64 UW win — ASU was down a pair as Mitchell went along the baseline, giving the impression for a second that he was going to try and tie the game with a reverse layup.