The Utah Utes (14-0; 3-0 in PAC-12) defeated the Washington Huskies (9-4; 1-2 PAC-12), on Sunday afternoon at Hec Ed, 61-53.
Washington’s defense stepped up early to challenge No. 11 Utah and managed to keep the game in doubt for three and a half quarters.
The first quarter saw the Huskies jump out to a 6-point lead, but Utah went on a 6-0 run to tie the game, 13-13, at the end of the first period.
At the half, Utah held a two-point late over Washington, 27-25.
Washington put together a good third quarter effort with a 9-0 run to build a 34-27 lead.
The Dawgs outscored the Utes 13 to 10 in the third period.
The Huskies entered the final period with a 38-37 lead.
However, the Utes erased Washington’s lead with a 9-0 run to start the final period, taking control with a 51-44 lead that they never relinquished.
Utah outscored Washington with 24 fourth quarter points to 15 by UW.
The Huskies battled to close the gap to four points, but they committed two key turnovers in the final two minutes to seal their defeat — one each by Lauren Schwartz and Hannah Stines.
UW’S Three-Point Defense Shows Up Strong
The arrival of solid three-point defense by the Dawgs was the most significant factor of the contest.
Utah managed to make only 31.8-percent from three-point range (7-22) against UW’s defense — well below their 34.8% three-point average coming into the game.
Chart courtesy of CBBAnalytics.
Utah missed their first eight three-pointers against the UW defense, shooting only 20% from three-point range (2 for 10) in the first half.
This allowed the Huskies to keep the contest close against the undefeated Utes (a much superior team on paper, in large part, because of their three-point proficiency).
UW Offense Looks Inside For Success
Another significant factor fueling the Huskies’ competitiveness, Washington seemed to purposely mitigate their own history of poor three-point shooting by focusing their offensive attack in and around the lane.
UW was 22 for 45 (48.9%) from two-point range — 64% at the rim (16 for 25) and 46.2% in the lane (6 for 13).
Led by Dalayah Daniels, the Huskies outscored the Utes 44-24 in the paint.
Daniels scored 14 points on 50% shooting in the paint — along with 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks
Chart courtesy of CBBAnalytics.
Even Huskies (lone?) sharpshooter Lauren Schwartz seemed more focused on driving and getting to the lane — making one of five three-pointers (20%) but shooting 66.7% from two-point range ( 6 for 9).
Chart courtesy of CBBAnalytics.
UW Huskies Player of the Game
Dalayah Daniels showed once again that the Huskies are at their best when Daniels leads them with her aggressive play on both ends.
Daniels posted a double-double (14 points and 10 rebounds) against the #11 ranked Utah Utes, and was not even featured down the stretch of the fourth quarter when the Huskies were attempting a final comeback.
Daniels scored six points in the fourth period with three rebounds and two blocks.
However, Daniels only had one shot attempt in the last two minutes of the game — the last shot attempt came with 14 seconds on the clock and was a desperation three-pointer.
Frankly, the Huskies offense overlooked its best player when the game was on the line and UW was trailing by 5 points or less in the final two minutes.
Next Up
The Washington Huskies resume PAC-12 conference play on Sunday, January 8, 2023 at 12:00PM PT, when they travel to take on Washington State in Pullman.