Houston vs Washington: 2019-20 Diamond Head Classic game preview, TV schedule
Houston and Washington will face off in the finals of the 2019 Diamond Head Classic. Which team will come away with the win?
TV schedule: Wednesday, December 25, 8:30 pm ET. ESPN2
Arena: Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, Hawai’i
Coming into the 2019 edition of the Diamond Head Classic Tournament, the Washington Huskies and Houston Cougars were the best two teams on paper. Both have a talented set of players and of all eight participants, are the only teams capable of having an at-large resume for the NCAA Tournament.
So far, neither of them has done any damage to their respective resumes in this event. Washington (10-2) took care of business against Ball State (85-64) and won basically a road matchup against host Hawai’i last night. Isaiah Stewart has his best game in a Huskie uniform, going for 26 points and 13 rebounds in the 72-61 victory over the Rainbow Warriors. The zone defense from the 21st ranked team proved to be too much, holding the hosts to just 28% shooting from the field and 9/39 from three-point range.
Houston (9-3) took care of Portland by 25 points in the opening round matchup but had a tougher time putting away Georgia Tech in the semifinals. In the end though, the Cougars controlled the game in the second half for a 70-59 win. Quentin Grimes continues to lead the way with 26 points, while forward Fabian White Jr. added 15 points and 12 rebounds. The 6’7 forward will need to have a fantastic game against Washington and their frontcourt of Stewart and McDaniels, whereas Houston’s lack of size will be very notable in this matchup.
On the other hand, the Huskies will be at the disadvantage on the perimeter. Outside of Quade Green and Nahziah Carter, Washington doesn’t cause fear for opposing guards. The Cougars have a number of talented perimeter players besides Grimes to use, including Caleb Mills, Dejon Jarreau and the versatile Nate Hinton.
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This will come down simply to which team’s strength prevails; Houston’s small-guard lineup or Washington’s large and sometimes dominate post presence inside. Whoever imposes their style of play better will have the advantage. The Cougars have shown that they can take down larger teams but I have a feeling that Stewart will be too much for them on Christmas.