Kemp Jr. helps Washington beat SC State 77-59

SEATTLE (AP) Shawn Kemp, Jr. scored 17 points to lead the University of Washington Huskies to a 77-59 win against South Carolina State in the season opener for both teams on Friday night.

Kemp's size was just too much for the Bulldogs, as the 6-foot-9 senior forward overpowered South Carolina State inside to shoot 8 for 13 from the floor, including a couple of dunks, to go with his six rebounds. His 17 points were one shy of a career high.

Seven-footer Robert Upshaw tied a school record with seven blocked shots along with 14 points and six rebounds off the bench for Washington.

While Kemp and Upshaw were working inside, guard Nigel Williams-Goss had a double-double from the perimeter with 10 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists. Andrew Andrews added 13 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

The Huskies have now won six season openers in a row and 12 consecutive times when opening the season at home.

Karon Wright led South Carolina State with 14 points, and Greg Mortimer scored 10.

Jalen White, the Bulldogs leading returning scorer, scored eight points but limped off after hitting a 3-pointer with about 7 minutes to play and did not return.

Washington led the entire game. The Huskies went on a 12-0 run late in the first half and led 39-23 at halftime. Less than four minutes into the second half they were ahead 52-28, their largest lead of the game.

Both teams had issues with accuracy at times. South Carolina State shot 33 percent (24 of 73) from the field and 6 of 13 at the free throw line. The Huskies had their own struggles at the line, going 10 for 17 on free throws.

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TIP-INS

South Carolina State: The Bulldogs started 1 for 7 from the field as they fell behind 12-2. The Bulldogs did pull within three - 20-17 - with 8 1/2 minutes to play in the first half before Washington went on their 12-0 run to really pull ahead.

Washington: Upshaw played in his first game for UW - he sat out last year after transferring from Fresno State. The sophomore came off the bench in the first half and quickly got the crowd's attention with a big block. He earned cheers again in the second half with dunks on two straight possessions.

UP NEXT

South Carolina State plays at San Francisco University on Sunday.

Washington will travel across town to play Seattle University at Key Arena on Nov. 21.