On Sunday night, after losing five straight to the USC Trojans (14-4 overall; 4-4 PAC), the Washington Huskies(13-6 overall; 5-3 PAC) pulled off a road victory, 62-59.
The Washington Huskies jumped out to an early lead to seize control over the Trojans, 21-12, in the first quarter.
The Trojans rallied to stage a second half comeback with a fourth quarter surge that challenged the Huskies to dig deep to secure the victory, 62-59.
For the game, the Huskies shot a scorching 41.2 % (7 for 17) from three-point range; and 66.7% at the rim (within 4.5 feet) .
Washington did, however, struggle somewhat from two-point range (48.5%) overall, including 41.7% from mid-range. 
Washington’s defense limited USC shooters to 37.3% shooting from the field, and 36.1% shooting on two point attempts.
However, Washington defenders allowed the Trojans’ offense much success from three-point range with 39.1% accuracy (9 for 23).
The Huskies out-rebounded the Trojans, 39-24.
Washington did commit twice as many turnovers as USC, (22 to 11) which kept USC within striking distance until the final buzzer.
1st Quarter
In the first period, the Huskies were led by the hot hand of Lauren Schwartz, who scored 9 points on 66.6% (4 for 6) shooting overall; as well as 50% from three-point range (1 for 2).
.@lschwartz15 3⃣!
???? Pac-12 Washington#Becoming x #DawgFight pic.twitter.com/MpRs2xS7xM
— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) January 28, 2024
Dalayah Daniels added 6 points on 60% shooting (3 for 5)’ as well as, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal.
LayLay ????
???? Pac-12 Washington#Becoming x #DawgFight pic.twitter.com/En7odC31QA
— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) January 28, 2024
Alarmingly, the Huskies committed 7 turnovers in the first period, which kept the cold-shooting Trojans (33.3%) within two points, 15-13.
2nd Quarter
In the second period, the Huskies elevated their game on offense and defense and outscored USC, 19-10.
Ladine all the way to the hoop!
???? Pac-12 Washington#Becoming x #DawgFight pic.twitter.com/CzPpbBwgHV
— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) January 28, 2024
The Huskies showcased balanced scoring — led by Sayvia Sellers with five (5) points; Hannah Stines and Elle Ladine with four points each; and three points each from Teagan Brown and Lauren Schwartz.
Stines ???? Schwartz
???? Pac-12 Washington#Becoming x #DawgFight pic.twitter.com/224ElheiJA
— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) January 28, 2024
Overall, Washington shot 61.5% from the field versus 33.3% by USC.
At halftime, the Dawgs held an 11-point lead over the Trojans, 34-23.
3rd Quarter
In the third quarter, the Huskies took their foot off the gas and let the Trojans back in the game.
UW only shot 40% overall and committed five turnovers.
The Trojans trounced the Huskies in scoring, 21-12, while only committing two turnovers.
Washington was led in scoring by Chloe Briggs (6 points) and Lauren Schwartz (4 points).
Briggs 3⃣!
???? Pac-12 Washington#Becoming x #DawgFight pic.twitter.com/TIyjWNKlrK
— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) January 28, 2024
???? Sellers ➡️ Daniels
???? Pac-12 Washington#Becoming x #DawgFight pic.twitter.com/ROi3PPzGf4
— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) January 28, 2024
Washington held on to a two-point lead, 46-44, heading into the fourth quarter.
4th Quarter
In the final period, the Trojans had one final offensive surge, scoring 16 points; while the Washington Huskies battled to maintain their lead, scoring 15 points.
???? @lschwartz15 ????
???? Pac-12 Washington#Becoming x #DawgFight pic.twitter.com/lfX8MwVzty
— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) January 28, 2024
After USC guard Kayla Padilla’s sixth 3-pointer of the game, the Huskies held a one-point lead with two seconds left in the game.
However, the Trojans fouled Lauren Schwartz, who closed out the game with two free throws.
Ultimately, the comeback attempt by the Trojans fell short, as the Huskies secured the victory, 62-60.
In the fourth quarter, Lauren Schwartz led the Huskies in scoring with 5 points; Dalayah Daniels and Elle Ladine with four points each; and Hannah Stines with three points.
UW Player of the Game: Lauren Schwartz
Besides the clutch free throws to close the game, Lauren Schwartz led the Huskies to victory with a 21 points on 53.3% shooting overall and 60% shooting from three-point range; plus three (3) rebounds, three (3) assists and two (2) blocks in 40 minutes.
BLOCK @lschwartz15 ????
???? Pac-12 Washington#Becoming x #DawgFight pic.twitter.com/Sd51yKyXbB
— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) January 28, 2024
Schwartz provided consistent offense for the Huskies and the upset would not have occured without her hot shooting throughout the game.
Schwartz provided consistent offense for the Huskies and the upset would not have occured without her hot shooting throughout the game..@lschwartz15 makes the tough shot‼️
???? Pac-12 Washington#Becoming x #DawgFight pic.twitter.com/dCXEkRFz7H
— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) January 28, 2024
