On Saturday afternoon, the No. 20-ranked Washington Huskies (9-1 overall, 0-1 B1G) struggled for three quarters to overpower the upset-minded Green Bay Phoenix (8-4), then seized a 79-74 victory with a fourth quarter surge.
Washington closed the game with a 16-3 scoring run, while defensively holding Green Bay to just five points in the final six and a half minutes.
For the game, the Washington Huskies shot 48.3% (28 for 58) from the field overall; 51.2% on two-point attempts (21 for 41); and 41.2% (7 for 17) from three-point range.
Meanwhile, the Green Bay offense was more efficient than the Huskies for most of the game — the Phoenix shot 50.9% (29 for 57) from the field overall; 53.6% on two-point attempts (15 for 28); and 48.3% from three-point range (14 for 29).
The Huskies did lose the turnover battle by committing 14 turnovers in the game versus 13 turnovers by the Green Bay Phoenix; and Green Bay scored 15 points off UW’s turnovers versus 14 points off turnovers scored by the Huskies.
UW WBB Huskies Players of the Game – Sayvia Sellers and Avery Howell
Sayvia Sellers scored 30 points in 37 minutes on 57.9% (11 for 19) shooting overall; and a scorching 58.3% efficiency from three-point range (7 for 12), including 13 points in the first quarter.
In addition, Sellers added three rebounds, two assists and one steal.
In addition, Sellers added three rebounds, two assists and one steal.Avery Howell recorded her second straight double-double this week with 11 points and 12 rebounds in 34 minutes.
Howell scored her 11 points on 44.4% (4 for 9) shooting overall; 40% efficiency from three-point range (2 for 5); and 50% on all two-point attempts (2 for 4).
Besides 12 rebounds, Howell added two blocks and two steals.
Besides 12 rebounds, Howell added two blocks and two steals.
1st Quarter
In the first period, Washington’s defense struggled to contain the perimeter shooting of Green Bay.
The Phoenix shot 60% from the field overall in the first period (9 for 15); including, 60% (3 for 5) from three-point range.
Washington’s offense stayed close by shooting 46.7% (7 for 15) shooting overall; as well as 50% from three-point range (4 for 8).
The Huskies were led by Sayvia Sellers with 13 points; Devon Coppinger added three points; Teagan Brown contributed two points; plus Avery Howell and Yulia Grabovskaia added one point each.
The Huskies trailed by three points to Green Bay to end the first period, 20-23.
2nd Quarter
In the second period, Washington’s offense kept pace by outscoring Green Bay 20-19.
The Huskies shooting improved to 61.5% (8 for 13) from the field overall; and 66.7% from three-point range (4 for 6).
Meanwhile, Green Bay’s offense cooled off to 46.7% shooting overall (7 for 15); and a woeful 0% shooting from three-point range (0 for 4).
The Huskies were led by Avery Howell with seven points; while Elle Ladine added six points; Sayvia Sellers scored three points; plus Devon Coppinger and Yulia Grabovskaia added two points each.
At the half, the Huskies still trailed Green Bay, 40-42.
3rd Quarter
After halftime, the Huskies came out flat and stagnant on both sides of the ball.
Washington’s offense struggled in the third period, scoring 16 points on 37.5% (6 for 16) shooting overall; and 20% from three-point range (1 for 5).
Meanwhile, Green Bay’s offense heated up by shooting 53.3%(8 for 15) overall and 80% from three-point range (4 for 5).
Washington was led in scoring by Sayvia Sellers with seven points; Yulia Grabovskaia added four points; plus Brynn McGaughy and Elle Ladine scored two points each; and Teagan Brown contributed one point.
However, Green Bay outscored Washington 23 to 16 and the Huskies ended the third period trailing by nine points to the Phoenix, 56-65.
4th Quarter
In the final period Washington responded with a palpable sense of urgency on both sides of the ball.
In the final period, the Huskies shot 61.5% from the field overall (8 for 13); and 50% (5 for 10) from three-point range.
Meanwhile, the Huskies defense put the clamps on Green Bay’s upset bid — holding the Phoenix to 30.8% shooting overall (4 for 13); and 0% (0 for 4) from three-point range.
In the fourth period, Washington was led by Sayvia Sellers and Hannah Stines with seven points each; while Elle Ladine, Avery Howell and Yulia Grabovskaia added three points each.
The Huskies defeated the Phoenix, 79-74.
