The #25-ranked Washington Huskies (4-0) host the Vermont Catamounts (4-1) on Sunday, November 23rd at 2 p.m. on the B1G Plus Network.
Washington Huskies Preview
After a home victory over Fresno State on Wednesday, the undefeated Dawgs look to continue their undefeated start to the 2025-26 season at home versus Vermont.
Washington’s offense averages 77.5 points per game; while Washington’s defense holds opponents to 50.8 points per game.
The Huskies are highly efficient scoring at the rim (within 4.5 feet) making 62.9% of their shots.
However, Washington is shooting only 31% from three-point range, which is uncharacteristically mediocre and needs improvement to meet the Huskies expected standard for a season average (37% last season).
However, Washington is shooting only 31% from three-point range, which is uncharacteristically mediocre and needs improvement to meet the Huskies expected standard for a season average (37% last season).Junior point guard Sayvia Sellers, the reigning B1G Ten player of the week, steers the Huskies offense with a team-leading 21.0 points per game; a team-leading 4.8 assists per game; as well as a team-leading 2.3 steals per game.
Sayvia is shooting 34.8% (8 for 23) from three-point range; while making 68.4% (26 for 38) of her two-point attempts; and converting 76.9% (20 for 26) at the rim within 4.5 feet, as well as 66.7% farther away in the lane.
Sayvia is shooting 34.8% (8 for 23) from three-point range; while making 68.4% (26 for 38) of her two-point attempts; and converting 76.9% (20 for 26) at the rim within 4.5 feet, as well as 66.7% farther away in the lane.Notably, Sellers is no longer the only Husky averaging double figures in points.
6’0″ guard Avery Howell, is the Huskies second leading scorer and continues her recent offensive surge (14 points versus Fresno State) to join Sellers in double figures scoring with 10.8 points per game.
Howell is making 40% (6 for 15) from deep and is the Huskies leading sharp-shooter from three-point range (among Huskies with at least 10 three-point attempts).
Avery Howell is also the leading rebounder for the Huskies with 6.0 rebounds per game; and fourth in steals with 1.4 per game.
Freshman guard Sienna Harvey, is now the Huskies third leading scorer at 8.8 points per game.
(Harvey is technically first in three-point percentage at 42.9%, but has attempted less than half the three-point shots (7) of Avery Howell (15).)
Yulia Graboskaia, the Michigan transfer, is now only the Dawgs third-leading rebounder with 5.3 rebounds per game; and is contributing 6.5 points per game.
Grabovskaia has been a minimal offensive low post presence for the Huskies by making 52.9% of her shots at the rim (within 4.5 feet); and 42.9% efficiency from further away in the lane; as well as a minimal defensive presence averaging 0.3 blocks per game.
Grabovskaia will be severely tested this game by Vermont’s best player, Nikola Priede, a legitimate inside offensive force (see below). If Grabovskaia can’t corral Priede, the Huskies may be on upset alert (unless Husky freshman Brynn McGaughy can step in and neutralize Priede).
Finally, senior guard Elle Ladine has not yet played for the Huskies this season. It is unclear at this time if she will play versus Vermont.
Vermont Catamounts Preview
The Vermont Catamounts are coming off a loss to High Point, 71-65 (after wins vs. Dean College, Saint Anselm, Buffalo, Lehigh).
The Vermont program’s recent success includes NCAA Tournament appearances in 2023 (versus UCONN) and 2025 (versus NC State), as the #15 seed both times.
Vermont’s offense averages 83.6 points per game; while the Catamounts’ defense holds opponents to 51.0 points per game.
The Catamounts defense will be a challenge to Washington because it is multifaceted based on a disciplined offense that can limit opponent possessions; rim protection by center Nikola Priede; and aggressive perimeter defense from guards Jadyn Weltz and Keira Hanson (all discussed below).
The Catamounts feature three players averaging double figures in scoring.
The Catamounts feature three players averaging double figures in scoring.The Catamounts are led by senior 6’2″ center Nikola Priede.
Priede is averaging a team-leading 18.4 points per game; as well as a team-leading 8.2 rebounds per game; and a team-leading 1.8 blocks per game.
Priede is most effective scoring in-the-paint, converting 63% at the rim (17 for 27).
But Priede is less effective away from the rim, shooting only 37.5% from further away in the lane; as well as taking only four shots outside the lane and zero three-point attempts.
Make no mistake, Priede’s offensive mission will be to destroy the Huskies defense from the inside, which means Husky center Yulia Grabovskaia will need to step up defensively.
Senior Keira Hanson,a 5’8″ guard from Issaquah High School(WA) is Vermont’s second-leading scorer at 14.6 points per game; and its second-leading three-point shooter at 41.7% from deep (5 for 12).
In addition to being a long distance sharp-shooter, Hanson is second-leading in steals with 1.8 per game; and third in assists with 2.6 per game.
To secure the victory over Vermont, the UW Huskies will need to disrupt the Catamounts by: