The Washington WBB Huskies (6-1) host the Queens (NC) Royals (1 -3), at Hec Ed today at 3pm.
Frankly, the Royals are another mediocre team on a mediocre nonconference schedule for the Huskies.
However, the Huskies needed a second half comeback to beat (mediocre) Seattle University last week, so, against all odds, this could get interesting.
A (Poor) Shooting Contest?
The Queens Royals are a poor shooting team.
The Royals make only 24.8% of their three-point attempts, so they should pose no credible outside threat to the Dawgs’ defense – despite the Huskies’ difficulty defending the three-point line.
The Royals do make 43.8% of their corner three-pointers, so clearly the Huskies’ defense should concentrate on denying corner threes (just to be safe).
Chart courtesy of CBBAnalytics.
From inside the three-point line, the Queens Royals’ offense is only slightly less ineffective — converting 44.2% of their two-point attempts.
Unfortunately, the Huskies shoot even worse from three-point range than the Royals — 21.8% from three.
Similarly, the Huskies shoot better on corner three attempts (32.1%), but still significantly worse than the Royals.
Clearly, the Dawgs should avoid a corner three shooting contest with the Royals.
Chart courtesy of CBBAnalytics.
The Huskies are slightly better from two-point range (48.9%) than the Royals (44.2%) — but their real advantage is at the rim where they shoot 61.2% within 4.5 feet of the basket.
Ultimately, the Huskies average 68.0 points per game versus the Royals’ 53.5 ppg.
Senior guard (#1) Adia Brisker leads the Queens Royals with 12 points per game: she is the only Royal averaging double figures in points per game.
Rebounds Could Save the Day
The Huskies average 44.7 rebounds per game, while the Royals only average 33.0 rebounds per game.
Furthermore, UW averages 17 offensive rebounds per game, which ranks 8th best among all Division One teams.
On the other hand, the Royals only average 22.0 defensive rebounds per game, which ranks in the Bottom 14% nationwide.
The Huskies should be able to pound the offensive boards to compensate for their poor shooting and score multiple put-backs or second chance opportunities.
If they control the boards, this should be a blowout victory for the Washington Huskies.
GO DAWGS!