Washington State men's basketball is entering a pivotal stretch this February, as head coach Danny Sprinkle labels the month as “make or break” for his squad. With the team holding a record of 11-10 and 2-8 within the Big Ten, there’s no doubt the pressure is on. This February provides the clearest opportunity for the Huskies to lift themselves out of the bottom three spots of the conference standings, potentially securing eligible spots for the coveted conference tournament.
Last Saturday, the Huskies achieved what many considered to be the turning point of their season by clinching their first Big Ten road victory against Minnesota, triumphing 71-68. The win came after enduring a six-game losing streak, granting the team not just morale but also the momentum they desperately needed. “It was just good to get a Big Ten road win,” Sprinkle expressed after the match, indicating the confidence boost the team needed to regain optimism. “We control the month of February and we got off to a good start against Minnesota. Now it just makes every game a Super Bowl.”
With the race for the Big Ten tournament intensifying, Washington's upcoming schedule features two home games against capable opponents: Nebraska and Northwestern. First up is the Nebraska Cornhuskers, who bring with them a 14-8 record and notable momentum following victories over ranked foes Illinois and Oregon. Sprinkle emphasized the challenge, saying, “We all know how good Nebraska is. Brice Williams is one of the best players in the nation… We’re going to have to make shots to beat them.” Williams has been particularly explosive, averaging 19 points per game with remarkable shooting accuracy of 47%.
Following the clash with Nebraska on February 5, the Huskies will play Northwestern on February 11. Northwestern, though grappling with the absence of their star guard, Brooks Barnhizer, remains competitive under the leadership of junior forward Nick Martinelli, who currently averages nearly 20 points per game. “We have to do a good job of making the correct pass out of the double team, and then we have to have great ball movement and cuts to open up shots,” advised Sprinkle, highlighting the strategies the team must execute effectively to secure the victories.
The stakes for the Washington squad couldn’t be higher; with so many teams vying for the same playoff positioning, each game presents itself as an elimination round. “Every game truly is do-or-die for Washington,” noted sports reporter Jared Tucker from Daily UW, encapsulating the gravity of the situation. The importance of their upcoming matches cannot be overstated; they will define the remainder of the Huskies’ season and, potentially, their postseason ambitions.
Tipoff against the Cornhuskers is set for 7:30 p.m. at Alaska Airlines Arena, with the game to be broadcast on the Big Ten Network. The atmosphere is sure to be electric as fans rally behind their team, rooting for the Huskies to seize their moment this February. The narrative of resilience and determination surrounding this squad is palpable, and with the right execution, they could very well turn their season around.
After battling Nebraska, attention will pivot swiftly to Northwestern, where the team will need all hands on deck to outmaneuver both teams. Washington’s success hinges on their ability to adapt and respond to defensive pressures, as Sprinkle pointed out, ensuring they’re ready to execute their game plan under fire—a necessity for any hope of post-season play.
Joining forces on the court this month provides not just another chance at the Big Ten title but also invaluable experience for the Huskies, as they work to hone their skills under the pressure and excitement of matchups against formidable opponents. The legacy of this season will be determined during these exact moments when every game feels monumental.
“This game on Wednesday is huge for us,” Sprinkle said, reiteration the urgency felt within the team. It’s akin to do-or-die, as they chase their dreams of tournament eligibility. What awaits them is not just games but entire seasons hanging on each win—making each outing feel like it could change everything.