Nikola Dzepina Erupts for 27 as Huskies Open Season With Win vs. Colgate
Washington opened its season with a 90-76 win over Colgate, led by Nikola Dzepina’s breakout 27-point performance. With a revamped roster and a faster-paced offense, the Huskies showed plenty of promise, but some familiar concerns remain.
The Washington Huskies opened their 2026-27 season with a triumphant 90-76 victory over a competitive Colgate squad Monday night. It marked just the sixth time the Huskies have scored 90 or more points in a regular season game since Danny Sprinkle took over as head coach.
The Huskies' revamped roster looked impressive in its return to Hec Ed. Washington played fast and with intensity on both ends of the court, a far cry from Sprinkle's teams over the past two seasons.
With stars Zoom Diallo (Kentucky) and Hannes Steinbach (NBA) having moved on to greener pastures, the Huskies embraced a scoring-by-committee approach that looks promising.
Washington entered the game as a 14.5-point favorite against Colgate, which ranked No. 217 nationally in KenPom's preseason ratings. The Raiders returned 11 players and are projected to be among the top contenders in the Patriot League.
While Colgate lacks the talent of the Big Ten programs Washington will face in conference play, this is exactly the type of opponent that could have given last year's Huskies fits early in the season.
These games cannot be taken for granted, either. SEC contender Oklahoma, ranked No. 29 in KenPom, suffered a stunning loss to No. 298 East Texas A&M despite entering as a nearly 30-point favorite.
Colgate shot 44% from the field, while Washington shot 46%. The Raiders remained competitive throughout much of the contest, and Sprinkle will have plenty of film to study as he looks to improve his team on the less glamorous end of the court.
If not for Colgate shooting just 13 of 26 from the free-throw line (50%), the game could have been considerably closer.
Washington entered the season ranked No. 72 in KenPom's college basketball ratings. The Huskies will likely need to defeat stronger competition to make a substantial jump in the rankings, even if they continue taking care of business against mid-major opponents.
Here are some takeaways from Washington's hard-fought victory Monday night:
Serbian Sensation
Playing in his first season opener as a Husky, forward Nikola Dzepina looked like a seasoned veteran as he set career highs across the board.
Dzepina logged 30 minutes and scored 27 points on 10-of-17 shooting, adding seven rebounds, two blocks and a steal. He looked noticeably stronger and more confident than he did last season.
Much of his scoring came in the paint, where Dzepina displayed impressive touch on baby hooks and putbacks. He also grabbed four offensive rebounds, providing Washington with valuable second-chance opportunities.
He wasn't afraid to fire from deep, either, finishing 1 of 4 from three-point range.
Dzepina's release is quick for a big man, and he showed confidence shooting over defenders. His willingness to take contested shots suggests he has the green light from Sprinkle to stretch the floor.
If Dzepina can maintain this level of production, he could provide the Huskies with the interior scoring presence they have been searching for.
Rebounding Woes
Colgate's starting frontcourt featured players listed at 6-8 and 6-9. Lathan Sommerville and Dzepina are both 6-10 and noticeably bigger. Yet, Colgate won the rebounding battle 35-34.
To make matters worse, the Raiders also outrebounded Washington 12-10 on the offensive glass. The Huskies need to improve their collective effort on the boards, particularly against smaller opponents.
Washington's leading defensive rebounder was 5-11 point guard Ryan Beasley, who grabbed five defensive boards.
LeJuan Watts, who had a strong game in his own right, finished with just three rebounds despite averaging six per game last season.
Rebounding could become a significant concern once Big Ten conference play begins, when the Huskies will face some of the biggest and most physical frontcourts in the country.
The Stars Shine
Speaking of Watts, the Texas Tech transfer looked as advertised, finishing with 22 points and three assists against just one turnover.
The offense frequently ran through him, and he should remain a focal point for opposing defenses throughout the season.
Colgate rarely sent double teams his way but struggled to keep Watts out of the paint. Defenders frequently resorted to fouling Watts, and he made them pay, converting 14 of his 16 free throw attempts.
Returning from blood clot issues that limited his participation this summer, Wesley Yates III also impressed.
Coming off the bench in a surprising move, Yates showed why he will be difficult to keep off the floor.
He connected on three of his six three-point attempts and consistently pressured opposing ballhandlers for the length of the court during his 30 minutes of action.
Yates and Watts have the potential to become a dynamic defensive duo that gives opponents problems all season with their active hands, perimeter pressure and ability to fight through screens.
Their offensive versatility also gives Sprinkle multiple options when Washington needs someone to create a basket.
Handled With Care
Washington did an excellent job forcing the issue offensively and getting to the free-throw line.
The Huskies finished 30 of 36 from the charity stripe, an impressive 83.3%. Despite their aggressive, downhill playing style, Washington also committed just 10 turnovers.
That combination of offensive aggression and ball security was among the most encouraging developments of the season opener.
The Huskies also scored 16 fast-break points, demonstrating the increased pace that could become a defining characteristic of this year's team.
Taking care of the ball while consistently putting pressure on opposing defenses will give Washington a chance to remain competitive against more talented opponents.
Up Next
Washington gets a week off before hosting Mississippi Valley State on Monday, November 9, at Alaska Airlines Arena.
The Delta Devils entered the season ranked last nationally in KenPom at No. 365, making this another must-win game for the Huskies.
Washington will have an opportunity to build on its encouraging season opener while addressing the rebounding and defensive concerns that emerged against Colgate.
