On a Friday night in Palo Alto, No. 22 Washington looked like they would remain undefeated in nonconference play with a statement win over Stanford, but ultimately suffered a disappointing 62-67 road loss.
The Huskies controlled the game for three quarters with balanced scoring, a dominant rebounding effort and solid perimeter defense.
Five Husky players finished the game with double figures in points — Sayvia Sellers, Avery Howell, Hannah Stines, Elle Ladine and Brynn McGaughy — and UW out-rebounded Stanford 36-29 overall (including, 13-8 on the offensive boards).
But the Dawgs failed to match a fourth quarter surge by the Cardinal, as Stanford’s defense forced eight UW turnovers leading to a 25-12 scoring edge to close the game and secure their victory.
For the game, Washington’s defense held the Cardinal to just 23.1% shooting from three-point range; and 45.5% (25 for 55) overall from the field.
Meanwhile, the Huskies offense (in an uneven performance) shot an excellent 36.4% from three-point range but only 43.1% from the field overall (25 for 58).
UW WBB Huskies Players of the Game – Avery Howell, Hannah Stines, Elle Ladine
Avery Howell scored 13 points in 40 minutes on 50% (5 for 10) shooting overall; and 37.5% efficiency from three-point range (3 for 8); and 100% on two-point shots (2 for 2).
In addition, Howell added eight rebounds and two assists.
Hannah Stines scored her 12 points in 36 minutes on 35.7% (5 for 14) shooting overall; 50% efficiency from three-point range (2 for 4); and 30% on all two-point attempts.
Stines also added eight rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Elle Ladine scored a season-high 11 points in 29 minutes on 83.3% (5 for 6) shooting overall; 50% efficiency from three-point range (1 for 2); and 100% on two-point shots (4 for 4).
Ladine added six rebounds and one assist in her (minor) breakout performance since recovering from an early season injury.
1st Quarter
In the first period, Washington physically set the tone with their inside-the-lane play defensively and generating second‑chance opportunities on the other end with three offensive rebounds.
Washington’s offense started hot by shooting 53.8% (7 for 13) shooting overall; as well as 40% from three-point range (2 for 5).
Meanwhile, the Stanford offense was held to 40% shooting overall (6 for 15) and 20% (1 for 5) from three-point range.
The Huskies were led by Hannah Stines with five points; Elle Ladine and Brynn McGaughy with four points each; and Sayvia Sellers with three points each.
The Huskies held a three-point lead over Stanford at the end of the first period, 16-13.
2nd Quarter
The defensive grind continued into the second quarter, with both teams trading stops and Stanford edging the frame 14–11 to send the game into halftime tied 27–27.
In the second period, a defensive battle ensued yet Stanford outscored Washington 14 to 11.
Washington’s offense shot a mere 26.7% (4 for 15) from the field overall; and 33.3% from three-point range (2 for 6).
Stanford shot a much improved 45.5% shooting overall (5 for 11); and 50% shooting from three-point range (1 for 2).
The Huskies were led by Avery Howell with five points; while Hannah Stines and Brynn McGaughy each scored three points.
At the half, the Huskies were tied with Stanford, 27-27.
3rd Quarter
Washington’s best basketball came in the third. Sellers pushed the pace, Howell connected from deep, and freshman forward Brynn McGaughy dominated the offensive glass. The Huskies outscored Stanford 23–15 in the period, building a 50–42 lead and quieting the Maples Pavilion crowd.
The Huskies offense surged in the third period as Sellers pushed the Huskies pace with 10 points of her own on (4 for 5) overall and perfect from three-point range (1 for 1).
Washington was led in scoring by Sayvia Sellers with 10 points; Elle Ladine and Brynn McGaughy with four points each; Avery Howell contributed three points; and Yulia Grabovskaia scored two points.
Meanwhile, Stanford shot 41.7% (5 for 12) overall; and 2o% from three-point range (1 for 5).
Washington outscored Stanford 23 to 15 and the Huskies ended the third period with an 8-point lead, 50-42.
