The Washington Huskies Women’s Basketball program (17-14 overall, 14-5 home) hosts the Kansas State Wildcats (19-16 overall, 0-9 away), on Friday, March 24 at 7pm.
Yes, you read that correctly Kansas State has not won a single game on the road all season.
Key Matchup: Kansas State Offensive Pace vs Huskies Offensive Pace
On paper, Kansas State looks like “the team that can’t shoot straight”
The Wildcats are only (mildly) efficient from the extended free throw line area on the left-side of the court and at the rim (within 4.5 feet).
Yet somehow, Kansas State averages 70.7 points on offense, while holding opponents to an average of 67.7 points per game.
(Washington’s defense holds opponents to an average of 59.2 points per game (while averaging 61.7 points on offense.)
How do the Wildcats do it? Pace.
Kansas State averages 74.1 possessions per 40 minutes versus Washington’s 66.8 possessions per 40 minutes.
The Wildcats’ uptempo offense is driven by their defense which forces 17.2 turnovers per game.
As a team, Washington averages 16.5 turnovers per game, so the Huskies normal number of turnovers would give the Wildcats offense a significant advantage.
Kansas State’s transition offense ranks in the Top 5% nationwide, scoring 1.066 points per transition possession.
On the other hand, Washington’s transition offense averages 0.93 points per transition possession, which only ranks in the top 41% nationally.
The Huskies offense will have to reduce its turnovers or be prepared to beat Kansas State in a possible track meet (which is unlikely).
If UW can run an efficient halfcourt offense at their own (preferably slower pace) and limit their turnovers, the Huskies have a greater chance at securing a victory.
Otherwise, it will likely be a fast paced game that favors an upset victory by the Kansas State Wildcats.
Projected Starting Lineup: Guard Serena Sundell, Guard Jaelyn Glenn, Guard Brylee Glenn, Guard Gabby Gregory and Forward Sarah Shemasti.
Kansas State Players Overview
Gabby Gregory, a 6’0″ senior guard, is averaging a team-leading 18.4 points per game, along with 5.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists and 0.7 steals in 34 minutes.
Gregory earned All-Big 12 First Team because she is an aggressive scorer from the perimeter, off-the-dribble and in the post.
The first ☝️#KStateWBB x @gabbygregory12 pic.twitter.com/C1HSuoGYDW
— K-State Women's Basketball (@KStateWBB) March 10, 2023
"Let me sneak past ya" – @gabbygregory12 #KStateWBB pic.twitter.com/LUKk1TaG6w
— K-State Women's Basketball (@KStateWBB) March 10, 2023
THIS#KStateWBB x @gabbygregory12 pic.twitter.com/i3t60yP7bL
— K-State Women's Basketball (@KStateWBB) March 10, 2023
Jaelyn Glenn, a 6’1″ sophomore guard, is averaging 11.5 points, along with 5.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists and 0.7 steals in 32.8 minutes.
Serena Sundell. a 6’1″ sophomore guard, isaveraging 14.0 points, along with 4.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists and 1.9 steals in 33.3 minutes.
Sundell steal and score#KStateWBB x @serena_sundell pic.twitter.com/gfj5xfK9yl
— K-State Women's Basketball (@KStateWBB) March 4, 2023
Nice and easy#KStateWBB x @serena_sundell pic.twitter.com/OefyA0tCXY
— K-State Women's Basketball (@KStateWBB) March 16, 2023
Brylee Glenn, a 6’0″ sophomore guard, isaveraging 8.6 points, along with 2.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists and 0.7 steals in 26.9 minutes.
Sista sista @GlennJaelyn ????@bryleeglenn12 pic.twitter.com/fS5emsHCz4
— K-State Women's Basketball (@KStateWBB) February 23, 2023
