Preview: UW WBB Huskies Look to Upset #6 Stanford, Friday Feb. 9th @7pm

The Washington Huskies host the #6-ranked Stanford Cardinal on Friday, February 9th at 7PM Pacific.

The Washington Huskies (13-8 overall, 3-7 PAC) host the #6-ranked Stanford Cardinal (20-3 overall, 9-2 PAC) Friday, February 9th at 7PM Pacific.

The video broadcast of the matchup between the Huskies and Stanford will be streaming on Washington Livestream; as well as, streaming audio at LISTEN TO HUSKIES RADIO CALL.

In their last game before facing Washington, Stanford defeated #7 UCLA, 80-60.

In their last game, Washington was routed at home by Colorado, 80-57.

Stanford’s Offense

Stanford‘s offense averages 80.6 points per game (while the Huskies average 64.8 points per game).

Overall, Stanford is a good three-point shooting team at 35.6% accuracy from beyond the arc — the Cardinal are most accurate shooting straightaway three-pointers (36.7%) with less accuracy on corner threes (29.1%).

Defensively, Washington defenders are holding opponents to only 28.5% shooting from three-point range (ranked in Top 17% nationally).

The Stanford team is very effective from two-point range making 52.4% of their two-point attempts; as well as, 62.7% accuracy within 4.5 feet of the rim.

Like most elite teams, Stanford has three players averaging double figures in scoring.

Cameron Brink is a 6’4″ All-American forward and the second- leading scorer for the Cardinal scoring 17.6 points per game; along with, 10.9 rebounds, 3.5 blocks and 2.1 assists.

Brink is making an excellent 60.3% of her two-point attempts with a scorching 69.6% efficiency at the rim (within 4.5 feet).

Cameron Brink is also a threat on straightaway and rightside three-pointers, which she converts at 50% accuracy (17 for 34).

Cameron Brink’s 20-18 double-double lifts No. 8 Stanford over Washington State! ????

Highlights ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/bukWXFAjeX

— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) January 6, 2024

Defensively, Cameron Brink is a shot-blocking force that is able to to shut down opposing offenses opportunities inside the lane.

BACK TO BACK BLOCKS FOR @cameronbrink22 #GoStanford | ????ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/2C39nwgSBs

— Stanford WBB ???????? (@StanfordWBB) February 4, 2024

Kiki Iriafen is a formidable 6’3″ forward and the Cardinal’s leading scorer at 18.8 points per game, while adding 10.6 rebounds, 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks.

Kiki Irifaen does her damage inside the arc, making 54.1% of her two-point attempts — 51.7% from midrange and 66.3% at the rim (within 4.5 feet).

Iriafen is a very rare three-point shooter — although, on very limited attempts, she shoots 40% (2 for 5) from three-point range.

Overall, Irifaen is an elite inside scorer that makes 69.4% of her points in-the-paint (Top 13% nationwide).

Brooke ➡️ Kiki ????#GoStanford | ???? @Pac12Network pic.twitter.com/6dGRZx8qPm

— Stanford WBB ???????? (@StanfordWBB) January 6, 2024

Irifaen is also active on the offensive boards with 3.8 offensive rebounds per game and 21.7% of her points come from second-chance opportunities.

Hannah Jump is the Cardinal’s third-leading scorer at 10.4 points per game; as well as, 2.3 assists.

Jump is excellent from three-point range with 36.6 % accuracy from three-point range, including 38.5% on straightaway threes and 55.6% on right corner threes — she is the deep threat of the Cardinal offense.

3s = layups#GoStanford x @hannah_jump pic.twitter.com/fy3hHpVPK1

— Stanford WBB ???????? (@StanfordWBB) December 21, 2023

Washington Defense

The Washington Huskies will need to disrupt the Stanford offense by neutralizing Cameron Brink and Kiki Iraifen by defensively dominating and controlling the lane to reduce the Cardinal’s inside-the-paint production, by remaining active and physical.

The Dawgs will need to play tenacious defense against Brink and Iriaifen by denying the entry passes into the post and boxing out to reduce Stanford’s offensive rebounds and second chance opportunities– 45.0% of their points are from inside-the-paint.

Washington averages 26.3 defensive rebounds per game, which ranks in the Top 27 % among Division One schools nationally.

Meanwhile, the Cardinal average an exceptional 14.1 offensive rebounds per game, ranking in the Top 9% nationally.

The Dawgs average 4.1 blocks per game — which ranks among the Top 15% of Division One schools nationally.

Washington Offense

The Huskies are currently averaging 32.2% accuracy from three-point range.

UW has seven players shooting 31.0% or better from beyond the arc:

Teagan Brown (37.5%),
Chloe Briggs (36.8%);
Hannah Stines (34.7%);
Jayda Noble (33.3%);
Elle Ladine (33.3%);
Sayvia Sellers(33.3%); and
Lauren Schwartz (31.0%);

Washington’s offense is most efficient from close range, averaging 48.4% on two-pointers and 60.1% within 4.5 feet of the rim.

Overall, 53.0% of the UW Huskies made shots are the result of their 13.0 assists per game.

Prediction: UW Unlikely Upset over Stanford unless…

A Washington Huskies upset is unlikely in this home game against the Stanford Cardinal, unless they:

(1) shoot 40% or better from three-point range;
(2) get a big game offensively from Elle Ladine (all-around) and Dalayah Daniels (inside) (35 points or more between them);
(3) demonstrate excellent team defensive rebounding (40+) that limits Stanford’s offensive rebounding; and
(4) limit UW’s turnovers to single digits (9 or less).

GO DAWGS!