On February 5th, the Washington Huskies Women’s basketball team lost their home matchup with the USC Trojans, 63 – 54.
The Huskies had multiple players return from injuries for the game — Tameiya Sadler, Khayla Rooks and Alexis Whitfield.
It was a very odd game as both teams were offensively challenged for almost the entire contest.
Their number of possessions were almost even, although the Huskies had 79 possessions compared to USC’s 76 possessions.
Also, UW and USC attempted an identical number of shots overall — 54– while making an identical nineteen (19) shots.
The Dawgs’ three-point shooting efficiency (35%) was significantly better than USC’s 17.4% from three-point range, led by Lexi Griggsby’s amazing 62.5% shooting from three-point range.
In the end, however, the Huskies allowed an average of 0.829 points per possession (ppp) by the Trojans; meanwhile, the Huskies only managed 0.684 points per possession (ppp).
It was likely the Huskies excessive 18 turnovers versus 11 by USC; which made the diffference in this close contest.
Statistically, Washington’s defensive effort was above average. Or maybe USC’s offense was below average against the Dawgs.
Two UW players held USC offensive players scoreless in their individual defensive matchups — Jess Finney with one (1) possession defended; as well as, Tameiya Sadler’s impressive all-around defensive effort with four (4) possessions defended and three (3) steals.
Redshirt freshman Nia Lowery had an impressive defensive performance with four (4) possessions defended, while limiting USC offensive players to 25% shooting overall.
Ultimately, however, it was Washington’s veterans that led the defensive effort.
Darcy Rees individually defended a team-high eight (8) USC possessions, while limiting offensive players to 14.3% shooting.
Returning from injury, Khayla Rooks individualy defended seven (7) USC players, while also holding them to 14.3% shooting.
Haley Van Dyke individually defended seven (7) possessions, while limiting them to 37.5% shooting; she also recorded four (4) steals, which arguably makes Van Dyke Washington’s defensive standout of the game.
Although Lexi Griggsby was busy torching the Trojans from behind the three-point line (62.5%), Griggsby also matched Nia Lowery’s defensive performance with four (4) possessions individually defended, while holding USC players to 25% shooting overall.
The Huskies look to bounce back with an upset victory over the #5 UCLA Bruins on Sunday, February 7th.