Recap/Observations: 4th Quarter Woes Continue; Dawgs Lose to OSU 41 – 47

On Sunday, the Washington Huskies were hosting an Oregon State team fresh from upsetting #22 Colorado and taking #7 Arizona down to the wire before losing 53 -55.

The Washington Huskies weathered an early storm, as the Beavers exploded on offense with 19 points in the first period — but Washington stayed alive by scoring 11 points.

Washington drew closer by outscoring the Beavers 8-6 in the second period; and outscoring them again 15 -11 in the third quarter.

Once again, however, the Huskies faded late as the Beavers secured the victory 47-41.

4th Quarter Drought Redux

Oregon State was ahead 36-34 at the end of the third quarter.

Haley Van Dyke’s jumper to start the fourth quarter quickly tied the game, 36 – 36.

Washington’s Jayda Noble hit a free throw to give Washington the lead over the Beavers, 37-36, with 8:59 remaining in the game.

However, the Huskies found themselves in familiar territory as they went scoreless for the next eight minutes and 14 seconds of the final period.

As the Huskies made multiple empty trips on offense, the Beavers took advantage, going on an 8-0 run to go from trailing 37-36 to holding a 44-37 lead with 2:12 to play.

When Washington finally scored with 45 seconds left, Washington’s scoreless stretch of 8:14 had cost them the chance at an upset.

In the fourth period, the Huskies shot 25% from the field overall (3 for 12), and Washington only made two of their last 11 shots of the game.

Furthermore, the Huskies went 0 for 1 from three-point range; shot only 33% from the free throw line (1 for 3); and committed five (5) turnovers in final period.

3-Point Shooting Struggles Continue

We predicted that the Huskies three-point shooting would be a cause for concern in PAC-12 play:

Compared to the nonconference performance of other PAC-12 schools, only USC matched the Washington Huskies’ aversion to three-point shooting –[…] only one nonconference game with a higher three-point rate than 30%.

Equally concerning, Washington’s nonconference performance of 15 three-point attempts per game significantly trails the PAC-12 average of 18 three-point attempts per game during the first two weeks of conference play.

In PAC-12 competition, the Huskies total of 18 made three-pointers ranks 10th in the conference; and their 61 three-point attempts ranks 9th among conference teams.

Thus, the Huskies three-point shooting percentage — 29.5% — ranks 10th.

Finally, 25.5% of Huskies’ offensive possessions end in a three-pointer (Three Point Rate), which ranks 11th in the PAC-12; and only 25% of the Huskies points scored come from three-point range (also, 11th in the PAC-12).

The Huskies are certainly paying a price in PAC-12 competition for their lack of scoring from the three-point line.

Mulkey’s Going Up on Defense and Offense

Besides having 12 points, 6 rebounds and three assists versus Oregon State, Nancy Mulkey had three blocks in the game, and now ranks 4th in the PAC-12 at 2.0 blocks a game.

(On another positive note, the Huskies recorded a PAC-12 season-high of six blocks against the Beavers.)

Mulkey ranks 6th in the nation in Blocks at 3.3 blocks overall.

Nancy Mulkey’s shooting percentage on two-pointers is an excellent 69.7% – ranking second in the PAC-12 in that category.

Jayda’s Noble Effort

Coming off the bench, Washington’s Jayda Noble took advantage of her longest stretch of playing time all season, and she made a case for a more consistent role on the team.

In 21 minutes, 40 seconds tallied seven points — shooting 60% on two-pointers; as well as, four rebounds and two assists. Noble also took a charge from the Beavers.

Up Next

Washington will face Washington State this weekend in a home-and-home series.

The Huskies will continue their hunt for their first PAC-12 win in Pullman. on Friday, January 28th at 7PM; and hosting at Hec Ed on January 30th at 12 noon.

GO DAWGS!