Huskies hit the road with momentum

The Washington women's basketball team takes its three-game winning streak on the road today, facing off against Kent State at 4 p.m. After winning the Basketball Travelers' Husky Classic at home, the UW will look to even up its road record.

"We've got to bring our toughness and ability to control the ball game," said senior Maggie O'Hara. "Basketball is a game of runs, and what we can control is play as a team."

The Flashes' (1-3) last two losses have been by 10 points or less to Northern Arizona and Minnesota.

"They're big inside and really good, so we're going to have to have good ball pressure," O'Hara said.

This week Washington fell out of the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll, but still received votes in the poll along with the AP poll.

Kent State brings a solid bench to the court, outscoring opponents by 39 with their reserves. Freshman Jamilah Humes has been averaging nine points per game in a backup role.

Guards Kristin Peoples and Sarah Burgess lead the Flashes in scoring.

The Husky bench runs as deep as any. Ten Washington players average at least 10 minutes per game.

"Our bench was key in both victories this past weekend and it's going to be key against Kent State," O'Hara said. "They have a strong bench, so we're going to have to match them and rise above it."

O'Hara said being a bench player is as important to the team as the starters.

"One thing you have to do is understand your role," she said. "I love coming off the bench and giving that extra energy and intensity to spark the team to a higher level."

The Huskies are coming off of three days rest, which should benefit both All-Pac 10 player Cameo Hicks, who has been nursing minor injuries, and junior Andrea Plouffe.

Plouffe scored a career-high 23 points in the opening round of the Travelers' Classic and then was held scoreless the next night. Sore knees kept her out of action against the Eastern Washington Eagles Nov. 20.

Coach June Daugherty is making a homecoming of sorts, returning to the M.A.C. Center for the first time in more than 21 years. She last coached at Kent State as an assistant from 1983-85. O'Hara said the Huskies can get Daugherty a win if they stick to their game plan.

"We're sharing the ball and getting to the glass," she said. "We're confident, not cocky. I think when we play hard, we're successful."

The Huskies will spend Friday and Saturday in Ohio practicing before taking on undefeated Ohio State Sunday. The Buckeyes are No. 6 in both polls.

Reporter Sam Cameron: samcameron@thedaily.washington.edu