UW Women's Basketball Notebook: Huskies Win at Home, Lose on Road in Competitive Big 10
Week of January 13-19: Washington looks to finish road trip strong and celebrates a legend
Overall Record: 12-5
Big 10 Record: 3-2
Net Ranking: 49
Last Week’s Recap
The Huskies began the week taking care of business at home against Wisconsin. Despite the work of Serah Williams in the post and some early lackluster offense by the Dawgs, Washington ended up running away with a 79-58 victory at home. The Huskies were led by another fantastic Elle Ladine performance (despite a busted eye) and a great second half by Tayra Eke. Washington ended up with four players in double figures and held Wisconsin to 36% shooting from the field.
On Sunday, the Huskies dropped a road contest to a talented and ranked Michigan State team. Washington trailed 52-50 with 1:59 to go in the third quarter, but couldn’t hit key shots as Michigan State pulled away. Ladine and Sellers struggled from deep, combining to shoot 4-15 from three. Additionally, the Dawgs had 20 turnovers, leading to 22 Spartan points.
Player of the Week
Sayvia Sellers put up a ridiculous stat line against Wisconsin with 16 points, six rebounds, and nine assists. The 5’7” sophomore guard came back with 21 points against Michigan State on the road, earning SeaTown Sports Player of the Week.
Stat of the Week
The Huskies outscored Wisconsin 44-20 in the paint on Wednesday in a victory, but were outscored in the paint 38-26 by Michigan State in a loss.
This Coming Week
Washington travels to Michigan on Wednesday, January 15th for a 4:00 pm tip (Big 10 plus).
Michigan has a star studded freshmen class led by Olivia Olson and Syla Swords. Olson (ranked #20 in ESPN’s 2024 recruiting rankings) is averaging 15.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 47% from the field. Swords is averaging 15.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. The number four ranked player in the high school class of 2024 is shooting an astounding 91.2% from the free throw line.
Washington returns home for Kelsey Plum jersey retirement night on Saturday, January 18th at 2:00 pm (Big 10 network). The Huskies play the Purdue Boilermakers.
Purdue is 0-5 in Big 10 play and struggles with turnovers (2nd most in conference play) and defense (giving up 81 points per game in conference games). The Boilermakers are led by senior guard Destini Lombard who is shooting 47.8% from three point range in conference play and averages 12.3 points per game.
National Games to Watch
#13 Georgia Tech at #3 Notre Dame
Thursday, January 16th at 3:00 pm on ACC Network
#10 Oklahoma at #2 South Carolina
Sunday, January 19th at 12:00 pm on ESPN
Big 10 Standings
Big 10 record and net ranking in parentheses
USC (6-0, #6)
UCLA (5-0, #4)
Ohio State (5-0, #11)
Maryland (5-1, #19)
Minnesota (4-1, #28)
Indiana (4-1, #37)
Nebraska (4-2, #35)
Michigan State (3-2, #20)
Washington (3-2, #49)
Oregon (3-3, #36)
Illinois (2-3, #39)
Michigan (2-3, #24)
Iowa (2-4, #33)
Wisconsin (1-5, #101)
Northwestern (0-5, #137)
Purdue (0-5, #134)
Rutgers (0-5, #126)
Penn State (0-4, #79)