The Washington Huskies( 5-1) will play their seventh game of the 2022-23 regular season against the winless Seattle University Redhawks (0-5) — at Hec Ed on Wednesday, November 30th at 7:00 p.m. on the Pac 12.com Network.
Seattle U is coming off a 5-game losing streak.
Courtesy of UW Athletics.
UW’s Struggling 3-Point Defense Meets Hot-Shooting Julianna Walker
For the season, UW’s defense has allowed their opponents to shoot 33.8% from three-point range (47 for 139), which ranks in the Bottom 25% nationwide; as well as, allowing 38.5% shooting on corner threes, which also ranks in the Bottom 25% nationwide.
Fortunately, a Huskies’ defense that struggles with defending the three-point line will face only a single deep shooting threat — sophomore guard Julianna Walker.
When Tacoma, Washington native, Julianna Walker left Syracuse to transfer home and play for the Redhawks, it was huge addition for Seattle U.er
Julianna Walker shoots 40.7% from three-point range, which ranks in the Top 18% of shooters nationwide.
Walker had a season high six made threes against Portland State on November 17.
If the Washington coaching staff has not made any defensive adjustments to defend the three-point line, expect the Huskies’ defense to be hurt by Walker’s straightaway threes (above the break threes).
Other than Walker, there is no real offensive threat for the Redhawks.
Seattle University only averages 52.4 points per game, compared to the Huskies average of 69.3 points per game.
Further, the Redhawks struggle from 2-point range, away from the rim, shooting only 34.8% overall.
As a team, Seattle U shoots a passable (but non-threatening) 30.3% from three-point range.
UW’s offense is led by sophomore Dalayah Daniels’ 11.8 points in 20.8 minutes and senior Haley Van Dyke’s 10.3 points in 30.9 minutes.
Daniels is the second most efficient scorer on the team after graduate transfer Emma Grothaus; Haley Van Dyke is the eighth most efficient scorer.
The Huskies will need to continue to score inside against the Redhawks today as Washington continues to struggle mightily with three-point shooting — 24.2% from three which ranks in the Bottom 16% nationwide.
However, the Dawgs rank in the Top 17% nationwide in offensive rebounding, and rank in the Top 27% nationwide in total rebounding.
By comparison, the Redhawks’ rebounding efforts are poor — Seattle U. ranks in the Bottom 13% nationwide in defensive rebounding, and ranks in the Bottom 22% nationwide in total rebounds.
In a unique matchup of on-court catalysts, Seattle U’s top rebounder (4.6 per game) and steals leader (1.6 per game) is #11 Peyton Howard. Likewise, Washington’s top rebounder (5.8 per game) and steals leader (2.3 per game) is Jayda Noble.
Frankly, Washington should completely dominate Seattle U. on the boards and defensively on their way to a decisive victory at home.
GO DAWGS!
