Four losses, all on the road. This was the game to put the nagging doubts to rest. This was the time to fight back into Pac-10 contention.

Instead it was the same late game mistakes ... the same scoring drought in the closing minutes ... the same disappointment.

Certain patterns are becoming trends. Losing trends.

It was another game of defensive lapses, missed free throws, players not knowing when to foul, players not knowing when not to foul, players not protecting the ball in the critical moments of the game.

It isn't a lack of effort, that's for sure. Look at the performance of Jon Brockman, who in a forest of 7-footers, proved that nothing could stop pure will.

This is a team that does not yet know how to win. This devastating loss was a true indicator of where this team really is: an "on-the-bubble" team that will have to sweat out every game.

Every loss further takes the Huskies' fate out of their hands. As every loss adds up, Washington will have to hope fortunate results and luck get them into the postseason.

In the face of a 13-game losing streak at Maples Pavilion, everything had played out perfectly for a Husky win. Almost too perfectly, almost too much like last year when a Washington defeat was snapped from the jaws of victory.

Last night, the Huskies weathered another unstoppable offensive performance by Stanford in the first half. They fought back behind a days-of-old performance from maligned guard Justin Dentmon.

Brockman and Dentmon deserved the win. As the team's most experienced players, it was no surprise that they were the most dependable on the road.

But it wasn't enough; they received little help.

No one could stop the two Redwoods in the middle. Robin and Brook Lopez owned the paint more than Sherwin-Williams.

Until now, with an optimistic lens, no Husky loss this season could have been categorized as a bad loss. Three road defeats to quality teams, one at home to a scorching Arizona team. Each setback was against a team that will likely participate in the NCAA Tournament.

Now it's clear the Huskies are a cut below what is expected of them. They are a cut below what is needed to succeed.

While the run-and-gun style fits our athletes well and works well on offense, as a senior I remember the success of years past. Husky teams were at their best with a maddening defensive flurry that frustrated and intimidated opponents into inferior play.

Too many players on this team think offense first. In interviews after practices and games, a commitment to defense is reiterated, but seldom is an improvement seen.

You wonder why so many teams seem to have great shooting days against the Dawgs.

If there is a light at the end of the tunnel, it is that the first few weeks of the Pac-10 schedule — featuring five of the first seven away from home — will only get easier. It will play out nicely for a young team hopefully rounding into form, much like the 2003-04 Washington team.

But until then the season is going to be like the Huskies' play away from home: rough.

Reach columnist Joshua Mayers at joshuamayers@thedaily.washington.edu.