Preview: UW WBB Huskies Host Oregon Ducks, Friday Feb. 23rd @ 7PM

The Washington Huskies host the Oregon Ducks on Friday, Feb. 23rd @ 7PM.

The Washington Huskies (13-12 overall, 3-11 PAC) host the Oregon Ducks (18-8 overall, 10-5 PAC) on Friday Feb. 23rd @ 7PM.

This game features two programs spiraling downwards in the PAC 12 standings — this past Sunday, Oregon suffered its ninth straight loss (versus UCLA); and Washington suffered its sixth straight loss (versus Arizona).

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

Click here for Digital Game Program (courtesy of UW Athletics)

In their last game before facing Washington, Oregon lost to UCLA, 74-55.

Ducks Offense

The Oregon Ducks offense averages 60.8points per game; while the Huskies defense is holding opponents to 59.0 points per game.

Oregon is an average three-point shooting team at 30.5% accuracy from beyond the arc.

Oregon is averaging 14.2 three-point attempts per game (Bottom 9% nationally).

Currently, the Huskies are holding opponents to 29.2% shooting from three-point range (Top 24% nationwide).

The Oregon Ducks make 43.0% of their two-point attempts.

Grace VanSlooten, a 6’3″ sophomore forward, is Oregon’s leading scorer at 15.2 points per game; 7.4 rebounds along with 2.6 assists and 1.0 steals.

VanSlooten is not a three-point threat at all, shooting a mere 8% from deep.

GVS (Grace VanSlooten) is so tough in DHO’s love when she gets going downhill pic.twitter.com/J2Oo8uJoXZ

— The Flock Pod (@TheFlockPod) January 11, 2023

VanSlooten is most effective at attacking the rim — she makes 56.2% (68 of 121) of her shots within 4.5 feet of the rim.

Sloot runnin' the breakout.

???? Pac-12 Oregon#GoDucks x @gvanslooten40 pic.twitter.com/J73yOohFtU

— Oregon Women’s Basketball (@OregonWBB) January 14, 2024

Chance Gray , a 5’9″ sophomore guard, is the second-leading scorer for the Ducks at 11.6 points per game; and she is primarily a threat from three-point range.

step-back squish.

???? Pac-12 Network#GoDucks x @chancegrayy pic.twitter.com/u7Ahv9yI9D

— Oregon Women’s Basketball (@OregonWBB) February 18, 2024

Gray makes an excellent 36.6% (53 for 145) of her three-point attempts.

However, Gray struggles scoring in the lane — making only 45.8% efficiency within 4.5 feet of the rim; and much worse, only 24.6% from farther out in the lane.

Phillipina Kyei , a 6’8″ junior, is the Ducks’ third-leading scorer at 12.9 points per game; and their primary inside scoring threat.

Kyei scores at 57.6% efficiency within 4.5 feet of the rim; and 51.7% from farther out in the lane.

Fadeaway Kyei.#GoDucks x @Phillipinakyei1 pic.twitter.com/gEEAjHLjIG

— Oregon Women’s Basketball (@OregonWBB) February 10, 2024

Kyei is Oregon’s leading rebounder at 11.9 rebounds per game.

Phillipina Kyei has zero three-point attempts.

Washington Defense

The Washington Huskies will need to disrupt the Oregon offense by playing stifling perimeter defense to tightly contest Oregon’s three-point shooters — i.e., Chance Gray(36.6%); Ula Chamberlin(45.7%); and Sofia Bell (31.6%).

The Dawgs will also need to play tenacious inside defense “in the paint” against Oregon’s primary inside scorers, 6’8″ Phillipina Kyei and 6’3″ Grace VanSlooten, by denying them position inside and denying the entry pass.

The majority of Oregon’s offense comes from inside-the-paint (45.7% – Top 40% nationally); so the Huskies must contest all shots in the and around the lane.

The Dawgs average 4.3 blocks per game — which ranks among the Top 17% of Division One schools nationally.

More generally, the Huskies defense must also dominate and control the inside by remaining active and physical on the boards.

Washington averages 25.8 defensive rebounds per game, which ranks in the Top 23 % among Division One schools nationally.

Meanwhile, the Ducks average 10.4 offensive rebounds per game, ranking in the Bottom 34% nationally.

Washington defenders must limit the Ducks’ second chance opportunities with strong defensive rebounding.

Washington Offense

The Huskies are currently averaging 31.1% accuracy from three-point range.

UW has six players shooting 31.6% or better from beyond the arc:

Chloe Briggs (36.9%);

Jayda Noble (36.8%);

Teagan Brown (36.0%);

Elle Ladine (33.3%);

Lauren Schwartz (32.7); and

Hannah Stines (31.6%).

Washington’s offense is average from mid-range at 47.7% on two-pointers.

UW is better at close range — 60% within 4.5 feet of the rim.

Overall, 53.5% of the UW Huskies made shots are the result of their 13.3 assists per game.

Prediction: Close game, Huskies Win in a nail-biter!

Washington will face a close contest at home versus the Ducks. The Huskies will win in the final minutes, if they control the game tempo and limit their own turnovers.

GO DAWGS

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