UW WBB Huskies Defeat Arizona in Home Nail-Biter, 62-60

After losing seven straight to the Wildcats, the Washington Huskies pulled off a home victory over the Arizona Wildcats, 62-60, on Friday night.

The Washington Huskies jumped out to an early lead to seize control over the Wildcats, 21-12, in the first quarter.

The Wildcats rallied to stage a second quarter comeback to trail UW by only 6 points, 32-26.

Arizona’s fourth quarter surge challenged the Huskies to dig deep to secure the victory, 62-60.

For the game, the Huskies struggled offensively: shooting 39.7% from the field overall; including 45.5% from two-point range, and 33.3 % (10 for 30) from three-point range.

Overall, Washington’s defense limited Arizona shooters to 38.7% shooting from the field, and 41.3% shooting on two point attempts.

However, the Wildcats offense found some success making straightaway three-pointers with 45.5% accuracy (5 for 11); and the majority (63.3%) of Arizona’s offense came from inside lane — with 38 points-in-the-paint by the Wildcats versus only 28 by the Huskies.

The Huskies were outrebounded by the Wildcats, 38-34.

The turnover battle was mostly even as UW committed 13 turnovers; meanwhile, Arizona had 11 turnovers for the game.

1st Quarter

Washington got out to a good start with tough defense and opportunistic scoring.

First points on the board belong to the Dawgs!

📺 Pac-12 Arizona#Becoming x #DawgFight pic.twitter.com/X1LLPjtETX

— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) January 20, 2024

UW smacked the Wildcats early and often.

Noble STEAL
Ladine FINISH

📺 Pac-12 Arizona#Becoming x #DawgFight pic.twitter.com/xNO459ff0u

— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) January 20, 2024

Washington led 21-12 at the end of the first quarter.

Ladine at the buzzer to end the quarter 🚨

📺 Pac-12 Washington#Becoming x #DawgFight pic.twitter.com/UIVcjcdb4E

— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) January 20, 2024

Elle Ladine led the Huskies with 10 points in the first period.

🔟 points for Elle Ladine in the first quarter 🔥#Becoming x #DawgFight pic.twitter.com/OdOLUcgl7B

— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) January 20, 2024

2nd Quarter

The Wildcats offense responded as Arizona outscored UW, 14-11, in the second period to cut the lead and get back in the game.

The Huskies were led by Elle Ladine’s eight (8) points and Lauren Schwartz (3 points) was the only other Husky to score in the quarter.

At halftime, the Dawgs held a 6-point lead over the Wildcats, 32-26.

3rd Quarter

In the third quarter, the Huskies shot 42.9% from three-point range but only made 30.7% of their two-point attempts (4 for 13) in the third quarter.

The Huskies edged the Wildcats in scoring, 17-15, behind scoring from Hannah Stines (8 points) and Sayvia Sellers (5 points).

Washington led 49-41 heading into the fourth quarter.

4th Quarter

In the final period, the Arizona Wildcats had one final offensive surge, scoring 19 points; while the Washington Huskies battled to maintain their lead, scoring 13 points.

Arizona outscored the Huskies, 11-3, in the first five minutes of the fourth quarter to tie the game, 52-52.

Ladine as the shot clock expires 💯

📺 Pac-12 Washington #Becoming x #DawgFight pic.twitter.com/qWmdLcXfsN

— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) January 20, 2024

Hannah Stines hit a clutch three-pointer in the fourth quarter with 1.25 left in the game to stop the Wildcats momentum and give the Huskies back the lead, 60-58.

This huge three from Stines 🔥 pic.twitter.com/sKwrl4JiWU

— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) January 20, 2024

A huge defensive play by Dalayah Daniels kept the Wildcats from going ahead by two with 12 seconds left.

DENIED! https://t.co/a4ZZA81n27 pic.twitter.com/cw6Y0oJorz

— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) January 20, 2024

With the game tied at 60-60, the game came down to the final 12 seconds.

Ultimately, the comeback attempt by the Wildcats fell short, as the Huskies broke Arizona’s fullcourt pass with three quick passes (Ladine to Noble to Stines to Schwartz) to secure the victory, 62-60.

Doesn’t get prettier than this 🤩#Becoming x #DawgFight pic.twitter.com/saWGpVnzar

— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) January 20, 2024

Hannah Stines had a team-leading 6 points in the final period; Elle Ladine contributed 4 points; along with (a game-sealing) 2 points by Lauren Schwartz and 1 point by Jayda Noble to round out the scoring.

UW Player of the Game: Elle Ladine

Elle Ladine led the Huskies to victory with a 22 points, 6 rebounds, four assists plus 8 points-in-the-paint.

As Washington struggled offensively to start the game, Elle Ladine aggressively and efficiently scored 18 points in the first half to almost singlehandedly keep the Huskies in the lead and in control heading into halftime.

Simply put, the Huskies would not have been in position to defeat the Wildcats, if Elle had not carried the team offensively for half the game.

Next Up vs Arizona State
The Washington Huskies host the Arizona State Sun Devils at HecEd on Sunday, January 21st at 12PM Pacific.

GO DAWGS!