Washington Dominates San Diego: Key Takeaways from the 86-56 College Basketball Showdown

Washington Huskies Bounce Back with Convincing Win Over San Diego Toreros

After a tough loss to Seattle University just days earlier, the Washington Huskies returned to the court determined to prove themselves. On December 22, 2025, inside Alaska Airlines Arena, they did just that—overpowering the San Diego Toreros in a decisive 86-56 victory. The game wasn’t just about numbers; it was about regaining confidence, rediscovering rhythm, and showcasing what makes this Huskies squad so dangerous when firing on all cylinders.

Key Moments: The 20-0 Run That Changed Everything

If you’re searching for the story’s turning point, look no further than the first half. With San Diego held scoreless for over seven minutes—a drought that seemed endless for the Toreros—Washington seized the moment with a blistering 20-0 run. Suddenly, what started as a competitive matchup transformed into a one-sided contest. The Huskies controlled the pace, the paint, and the energy, effectively putting the game out of reach before halftime. As uwhuskieswire.usatoday.com reported, Washington shot 48% from the field in the first half, while San Diego struggled at just 29%.

Standout Performances: Steinbach Leads the Charge

Freshman forward Hannes Steinbach was the heartbeat of Washington’s success. With 21 points and 14 rebounds, plus three steals and two blocks, Steinbach notched his seventh double-double of the season. His ability to dominate both ends of the floor set the tone early, grabbing tough boards and finishing inside with authority. When San Diego briefly trimmed the lead under 20 in the second half, coach Danny Sprinkle put Steinbach back in, and the impact was immediate—the advantage ballooned once more.

Zoom Diallo also made his mark, adding 17 points and reaching the milestone of 500 career college points. Desmond Claude chipped in 13, rounding out a trio of double-digit scorers. Crucially, this wasn’t a one-man show. Ten of eleven Huskies who played contributed to the scoreboard, signaling depth and teamwork. JJ Mandaquit, the promising point guard, balanced nine points with four assists and two steals, showing flashes of leadership and future potential, even as he navigated a few rookie mistakes.

Defensive Focus and Teamwork: Huskies’ Recipe for Success

Coach Sprinkle’s message was clear: defense first. The Huskies forced 18 turnovers and blocked four shots, stifling San Diego at every turn. The rebounding margin—46-28 in favor of Washington—underscored their physical presence. Sprinkle acknowledged that recent games featured offensive lapses, but he challenged his squad to maintain defensive intensity for all forty minutes. On this night, his players responded, dominating the glass and contesting every shot.

Offensively, Washington moved the ball with purpose, registering 15 assists. Diallo and Mandaquit led the way, orchestrating plays and finding open teammates. The team’s willingness to share the ball, rather than forcing individual heroics, was a marked improvement from their previous outing.

San Diego’s Struggles: Missed Opportunities and a Tough Night

For San Diego, the night was defined by frustration. The Toreros’ shooting woes—just 37% from the field and a long, demoralizing scoring drought in the first half—made it hard to build any momentum. Forward Vuk Boskovic offered some early resistance, hitting tough three-pointers, but the support faded fast. The inability to capitalize on Washington’s early turnovers meant the Toreros could never close the gap, and as the second half wore on, the Huskies’ lead only grew.

Injuries and Lineup Adjustments: Huskies Adapt on the Fly

Washington didn’t have a full squad. Key guard Wesley Yates III was sidelined with a right hand injury, and center Lathan Sommerville missed the game due to a lower-body issue. These absences opened the door for other contributors—most notably Serbian forward Nikola Dzepina, who posted five points and five rebounds in nine minutes of action. The Huskies’ ability to adapt their rotation and still produce a dominant performance bodes well for their depth as the season progresses.

What’s Next: Momentum and Lessons Learned

This win comes at a crucial time for Washington, who will wrap up non-conference play against Utah on December 29. After the stumble against Seattle, the Huskies needed a performance to restore confidence and recalibrate their focus. As Diallo stated postgame, “We’re still growing…we’re one of those teams that can compete with anybody.” The blend of youthful energy, defensive grit, and balanced scoring suggests this group is finding its identity.

For San Diego, the loss is a reminder of the work ahead. Addressing offensive inconsistencies and finding ways to withstand high-pressure runs will be key for the Toreros as they move forward in their schedule.

• Washington’s game against San Diego was broadcast on Big Ten Network.
• Washington’s injury report included the absence of both Wesley Yates III and Lathan Sommerville, forcing lineup changes.
• The Huskies dominated nearly every statistical category: shooting percentage, rebounds, turnovers forced, and assists.

Analysis: The decisive nature of Washington’s victory over San Diego signals more than just a bounce-back; it’s a blueprint for how the Huskies can succeed when they prioritize defense, share the ball, and adapt to adversity. Steinbach’s emergence as a reliable force and the team’s ability to rally after injuries suggest that Washington is positioning itself as a contender, not just a survivor, in the turbulent landscape of college basketball. For San Diego, the defeat exposes vulnerabilities but also opportunities to regroup and retool. Ultimately, this game was a showcase of resilience and strategy—a timely reminder that one night can reshape a team’s trajectory.

Sources: uwhuskieswire.usatoday.com, fubo.tv