Recap: UW WBB Huskies Lose Late to USC Trojans, 50-59, in Road Defeat

On December 7, 2025, the No. 21 Washington Huskies (8-1 overall, 0-1 B1G) suffered their first loss of the season, falling 59–50 to No. 16 USC (7-2 overall, 1-0 B1G) in Los Angeles.

Despite a strong defensive start demonstrating an elite defense on a national stage and standout performances from Sayvia Sellers and Avery Howell, Washington’s offense struggled with efficiency, shooting just 26.9% from the field overall and only 24% from three-point range.

A low-scoring contest, due to a combination of good defense and poor shooting by both teams, kept the game close and even gave the Huskies the upper hand heading into the third quarter.

However, Washington could not slow a late second half surge by the Trojans to take control down the stretch.

The Huskies were outscored, 28-37, by USC in the second half.

For the game, the Trojans shot only 38.3% (23 for 60) from the field overall; 48.8% on two-point attempts (21 for 43); but a mere 11.8% from three-point range.

Meanwhile, the Huskies offense was equally mediocre the entire game — Washington shot a very poor 26.9% (18 for 67) from the field overall; 28.6% on two-point attempts; and only 24% from three-point range.

The Huskies did win the turnover battle by committing only 10 turnovers in the game versus 13 turnovers by the USC Trojans; and UW scored 11 points off USC’s turnovers versus 9 points off turnovers scored by the Trojans.

UW WBB Huskies Players of the Game – Sayvia Sellers and Avery Howell

Sellers scored 20 points in 36 minutes on 30.4% (7 for 23) shooting overall; and 42.9% efficiency from three-point range (3 for 7), including 10 points in the second quarter (of the Huskies 14 points total).

In addition, Sellers added two rebounds, two assists and one steal.

Avery Howell recorded a double-double against her former team with 16 points and 13 rebounds.

Howell scored her 16 points in 37 minutes on 35.7% (5 for 14) shooting overall; 33.3% efficiency from three-point range (3 for 9); and 40% on all two-point attempts.

Besides 13 rebounds, Howell added two assists and two steals.

1st Quarter

In the first period, Washington’s defense dominated USC by holding them to just 4 points, the Trojans’ lowest quarter output of the season.

Washington’s offense started slow by shooting 15.8% (3 for 19) shooting overall; as well as 28.6% from three-point range (2 for 7).

Meanwhile, the USC Trojans offense started even slower — shooting 14.3% overall (2 for 14) and 0% (0 for 5) from three-point range.

The Huskies were led by Sayvia Sellers and Avery Howell with three points each; and Yulia Grabovskaia added two points.

The Huskies held a four-point lead over USC at the end of the first period, 8-4.

2nd Quarter

In the second period, USC’s offense adjusted to the Dawgs defense, outscoring Washington 18–14 to take momentum into halftime.

Washington’s offense continued to slump — shooting 31.6% (6 for 19) from the field overall; and 28.6% from three-point range (2 for 7).

Although USC shot a much improved 43.8% shooting overall (7 for 16); they went scoreless from deep, i.e., 0% shooting from three-point range (0 for 4).

The Huskies were led by Sayvia Sellers with 10 points; while Yulia Grabovskaia and Brynn McGaughy each scored two points.

At the half, the Huskies were tied with USC, 22-22.

3rd Quarter

The Huskies offense continued its struggles in the third period, scoring 12 points on 26.7% (4 for 15) shooting overall; and 0% from three-point range (0 for 4).

Washington was led in scoring by Sayvia Sellers with seven points; Avery Howell contributed three points; and Hannah Stines scored two points.

Meanwhile, USC shot a lowly 31.6% (6 for 19) overall; and 28.6% from three-point range (2 for 7).

However, USC outscored Washington 17 to 12 and the Huskies ended the third period trailing by five points to the Trojans, 34-39.

4th Quarter

In the final period Washington responded by scoring 16 points and cutting the deficit to one point with 7 minutes and 58 seconds left, but USC closed strong with a 6–0 run in the final minutes.

In the final period, the Huskies shot 35.7% from the field overall (5 for 14); and 28.6% (2 for 7) from three-point range.

Meanwhile, USC shot a blistering 72.7% overall (8 for 11); and 0% (0 for 1) from three-point range.

In the fourth period, Washington was led by Avery Howell with 10 points; Teagan Brown added four points; and Hannah Stines scored two points.

The Huskies were defeated by the Trojans, 50-59.

NEXT UP: UW WBB Huskies vs Green Bay, Sat. December 13th @ 12PM

GO DAWGS!