Regardless of who played point guard or if star freshman forward Jaden McDaniels would be available, Mike Hopkins had three directives for the Huskies entering Thursday’s game against Oregon State:
Reduce their turnovers.
Make outside shots.
And defend the three-point line.
Check, check and check.
In his first career start, freshman sharpshooter RaeQuan Battle scored a career-high 11 points and sank three three-pointers to lead the Huskies to a much-needed 64-56 victory at Alaska Airlines Arena.
Battle started in place of McDaniels, who sprained his left ankle last Saturday at California. He didn’t practice this week and participated in pregame warmups, but sat out for the first time this season.