Kepnang Powers Washington to 85-61 Victory over Montana State

SEATTLE (AP) — Franck Kepnang finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds to lead Washington to an 85-61 victory over Montana State on Tuesday night.

Kepnang made 7 of 11 shots and blocked three at the other end for the Huskies (5-3). It was his first double-double this season and the second of the senior's career. Sahvir Wheeler had 14 points and five assists. Reserves Koren Johnson and Anthony Holland scored 13 and 11, respectively. Johnson shot 6 for 11 and Holland made all three of his 3-pointers and both of his free throws.

Robert Ford III totaled 13 points and five rebounds to pace the Bobcats (3-5). Tyler Patterson and Brian Goracke added 12 points apiece, while Sam Lecholat scored 11 off the bench.

Keion Brooks Jr. scored all nine of his points in the first half and Johnson also scored nine to lead Washington to its largest halftime lead of the season at 43-28. Montana State had one lead in the game at 20-19 on a 3-pointer by Goracke at the 10:03 mark. Johnson answered with a jumper and Holland followed with a 3-pointer and the Huskies never trailed again. They used a 15-0 run to build the big lead.

Washington scored the first six points of the second half and took their biggest lead at 71-38 on a basket by Wheeler with 9:59 left to play.

The Huskies shot 52.5% overall and made half of their 16 shots from beyond the arc. The Bobcats shot 38.9% and made 9 of 31 from distance.

Washington will host seventh-ranked Gonzaga on Saturday.