The Washington Huskies played down to winless Seattle University’s level in the first half, before deciding to seize control of the game, pulling away in the second half to a 60 – 49 victory.
Fortunately for the Dawgs, Seattle U is an objectively bad team, because the Huskies’ performance would most likely be a loss against the majority of Division One teams.
Some of the areas of concern were as follows.
First, the pace of the game was played on Seattle University’s terms — measured at 63.5 possessions per 40 minutes, which ranks in the Bottom 1% of all Division One teams. Even including the dreadfully slow pace against Seattle U, Washington’s opponents average a significantly faster pace, i.e., 71.2 possessions per 40 minutes.
Also, despite a huge advantage (pun intended), the Huskies were offensively ineffective in the paint — shooting 43.6% overall which ranks in the Bottom 15% nationwide.
Chart courtesy of CBBAnalytics.
Directly at the rim, the Dawgs were only slightly better — 53.1% shooting within 4.5 feet of the basket.
Both teams committed 15 turnovers, however, Washington only scored 11 points off Seattle U’s 15 turnovers — which ranks in the Bottom 11% nationwide.
The Dawgs were ineffective on second chance shot attempts, as well — shooting only 39.3%, which ranks in the Bottom 7%.
The game started very slowly with the Redhawks taking a narrow lead after one quarter, 13 -10.
With an only slightly more competitive effort by the Huskies in the second quarter, UW outscored Seattle University 15-13 (while trailing the entire period), yet the Redhawks went into halftime leading, 26 -25.
Dalayah Daniels to the Rescue
In the third quarter, the Huskies seem focused on getting Dalayah Daniels involved offensively, as the ball touched her hands repeatedly during their offensive sets.
Daniels came alive and scored 11 points on 50% shooting overall (3 for 6) and 71.4% from the free throw line (5 for 7) plus five rebounds and three blocks.
LAY LAY 💪
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» https://t.co/BV7qKPz84c pic.twitter.com/7y3z2hGj9N— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) December 1, 2022
With Daniels as the engine, the Huskies’ offense scored 14 of the first 18 points of the third quarter.
By the end of the third period, Washington had shot 38.9% from the field and 14.3% on three-pointers, yet still managed to outscore the hapless Redhawks, 21 -9.
That's FOUR blocks by Daniels already tonight, tying her career high!
💻 Washington Live Stream
» https://t.co/BV7qKPz84c pic.twitter.com/00bjjMnROT— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) December 1, 2022
Washington led 46 – 35 heading into the final quarter.
In the fourth quarter, UW seem to relax and forget about Dalayah Daniels’ third quarter explosion, as Daniels attempted only two shots in 6 minutes of play (while pulling down four rebounds).
Washington played Seattle U. even in the final period as the teams scored 14 points each.
Ultimately, the Dawgs coasted to a victory despite only shooting 31.8% (7 for 22) overall and zero percent from three-point range (0 for 7) in the fourth period.
For the game, Dalayah Daniels posted a double-double with 17 points, 15 rebounds, 5 blocks and 1 assist.
Another double-double for #1️⃣4️⃣ ‼️
Lay Lay finished with 17 PTS, 15 REB, & 5 BLK 👀#GoHuskies x #Becoming pic.twitter.com/CSEMtHoThi
— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) December 1, 2022