Washington and Penn State both seek NCAA Tournament hopes after close losses, focusing on reducing turnovers and improving free throws.

Washington (12-12, 4-9 Big Ten) faces a pivotal stretch with five of its final seven conference games against teams at or below its standing, starting with a home game against Penn State (10-14, 1-12). The Huskies narrowly lost 77-73 to UCLA, hindered by 13 turnovers and 12-of-18 free-throw shooting. Wesley Yates III led with 21 points, Quimari Peterson added 12 points and seven assists. Penn State, seeking its first conference win since January, lost 77-75 to USC despite a 12-point halftime lead, with Freddie Dilione V scoring 23 points. Both coaches stressed the need for better ball security and free-throw consistency as they aim to boost NCAA Tournament hopes.