The non-conference schedule has been a mixed bag for the University of Washington Huskies women’s basketball team.
Non-conference play has been up-and-down with close victories over two mid-major teams, San Diego and Northern Arizona; one close home loss to nationally ranked Louisville; and two blowout losses to their other two opponents — nationally ranked North Carolina by 21 points; and VCU by 13 points.
Tina Langley’s squad will need a lot of improvements to be competitive in the PAC-12 this season.
There are currently six PAC-12 teams ranked in national polls, i.e., Stanford, Arizona, Oregon, Oregon State, Colorado and UCLA
There is still time for the Huskies (2-3) to improve before PAC-12 play begins (on December 31st hosting Stanford) and that starts Friday night at Seattle University.
SCOUTING THE HUSKIES VS. THE REDHAWKS
The Seattle University Redhawks finished the 2020-21 season with a record of 11-14 overall; and a 7-5 home record.
Seattle enters Friday’s contest with a 4-3 record on the season. Most recently, they posted a 63-61 road win over Boise State on Dec. 2.
Both teams are offensively challenged, the Redhawks average 61.3 points per game, while the Huskies average 53.2 points.
Seattle is allowing 67.0 points per game, while Washington allows an average of 59.0 points by opponents.
Although both teams are turnover-prone, Seattle averages less turnovers per game (17.3) than the Huskies (23.8).
Neither team is a force on the boards — both teams are virtually even in rebounding stats — with Seattle pulling down 35.7 rebounds versus Washington’s average of 36.6 rebounds per game.
Seattle averages 9.8 steals versus Washington’s average of seven steals per game.
Senior guard Bree Calhoun is a catalyst for the Redhawks averaging 11.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.3 steals per game.
Calhoun was also named the WAC Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year for the 2020-21 season.
Expect Husky guards to be tested by Calhoun’s defensive pressure trying to disrupt the Washington offense and create turnovers.
The Huskies will need to contain Calhoun in order to avoid a road loss to Seattle. This will likely be the key to a Husky victory versus a stunning loss.
PREDICTION
Expect a close game with many turnovers, but the Huskies should pull away for the win late in the game due to greater depth and physicality.
