Washington Men’s Basketball Faces Mississippi Valley State at Alaska Airlines Arena

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The Washington men’s basketball team returns to Alaska Airlines Arena this Monday to face Mississippi Valley State following a season-opening victory over Colgate, GoHuskies.com reported.

The matchup serves as a test for Danny Sprinkle, who is in his third season leading the Huskies. After winning their opener 90-76, Washington looks to maintain momentum against a Delta Devils squad currently playing a road schedule.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. PT, with the game airing on the Big Ten Network. For those following the action via radio, Nick Koop and David Crisp are set to provide the call on 950 KJR-AM.

Nikola Dzepina finds new rhythm

The Huskies’ recent success was driven largely by second-year forward Nikola Dzepina, who delivered a career-best 27 points against Colgate. This performance marked the highest scoring output by a Husky in a season opener since Jaylen Nowell in 2017, according to GoHuskies.com.

After entering the half with only 37 career points, the Serbian international scored 20 points in the second period alone. He converted eight of 11 field goals and four of five free throws during that stretch, accounting for 18 of Washington’s first 23 points in the half.

During that tournament, he led his nation to a silver medal, averaging 13.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. His ability to impact the game extends beyond scoring; he also contributed seven rebounds and two blocks in the win over Colgate.

Washington Men's Basketball Faces Mississippi Valley State at Alaska Airlines Arena
Photo: espn.com

A roster built on veteran experience

The six college transfers joining the program brought a combined 22 seasons of experience, including 571 career games and 362 career starts.

The Huskies’ depth is highlighted by several high-level additions, including three players who have surpassed 1,000 career points: Tayshawn Comer, LeJuan Watts, and Steele Venters. The roster also includes Wini Braga and Tristan Devers, both of whom bring three years of professional experience from overseas play.

The 15-player squad maintains an average age of 21.1 years, supported by a diverse international presence.

Washington vs. Mississippi Valley State: Key Figures

Player / Stat Category Value
Nikola Dzepina Points (vs. Colgate) 27
LeJuan Watts Free Throws Made (vs. Colgate) 14
Washington All-time Record vs. SWAC 12-0
MVSU Road Games to Open Season 16

The Delta Devils’ road challenge

Mississippi Valley State enters Monday’s contest under the leadership of veteran head coach Mike Davis. Davis, who is in his first season with the program, previously guided Indiana to an NCAA runner-up finish in 2002 and earned three SWAC Coach of the Year honors during his tenure at Texas Southern.

According to GoHuskies.com, Monday’s game is the second of 16 road games to open their season, which includes all 14 of their non-conference matchups for 2026.

MVSU is looking to bounce back from a Friday loss to Oklahoma, where they fell 84-57, converting only 3-of-18 attempts (16.7 percent) and being outrebounded 42-32 by the Sooners.

Rochester Christian transfer Tymias Williams led the team against Oklahoma with 19 points, nine rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. South Suburban College transfer AJ Abrams joins the roster after earning NJCAA Division II All-America honors, where he averaged 23.3 points per game last season.

Strategic shifts in the paint

After managing only six points in the paint during the first half, Washington posted 20 paint points in the second half to secure the win.

This resurgence was aided by a disciplined performance at the charity stripe, where the team converted 30-of-36 free throws.

Worth a look

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