The Washington Huskies (12-2) delivered an upset victory over the #6-ranked Michigan Wolverines (11-3).
The Washington Huskies delivered a statement that echoed through the women’s college basketball world.
With a 64–52 victory over the No. 6 Michigan Wolverines, Washington not only protected its home court but also stamped itself as a rising force on the national stage.
Coming in at 11–2, the Huskies faced a Michigan squad that boasted an 11–2 record and a reputation for efficiency and depth.
Yet from the opening tip, it was clear this would not be a routine nonconference test.
Despite foul trouble to two of their top three scorers, Sayvia Sellers and Elle Ladine, the Washington Huskies found a way to control the game with defense, rebounding, and timely scoring.
Moreover, they did it in a fashion that spoke to their toughness, experience and maturity: winning with imperfect offense but relentless effort.
The Huskies upset the Michigan Wolverines on a night when they could only muster a modest offensive output due to extensive foul trouble that limited the playing time of Sayvia Sellers and Elle Ladine (two of their top three scorers).
For the game, the Dawgs shot 46.8% from the field overall, including 35.7% three-point range (5 for 14).
Meanwhile, the Michigan Wolverines endured their own offensive struggles, shooting a very poor 33.3% from the field overall, including a mere 21.4% from three-point range.
However, without the services of point guard Sellers most of the night, the Huskies demonstrated very poor ball security by committing 23 turnovers which Michigan converted into 27 points that kept them in the game.
Washington won the inside-the-paint scoring duel- scoring 30 points versus 28 by the Wolverines.
UW Player of the Game: Avery Howell
Across four quarters, Avery Howell delivered one of the standout performances of the women’s college basketball season.
Howell finished with a commanding double‑double effort: 22 points and 16 rebounds in 38 minutes.
Howell’s efficiency was equally impressive—64.2% shooting from the field (9-of-14) and 66.6% from three (2-of-3), along with 2 steals and 1 assist.
Avery Howell owned the glass, anchored the defense, and fueled the offensive attack of the Dawgs.
STARTING FIVE
1st Quarter – Opening Salvo: Fast Start, Early Foul Trouble
The first quarter opened with point guard Sayvia Sellers orchestrating Washington’s uptempo attack, as they blitzed the Michigan Wolverines with an 8–0 run that stunned the visitors and ignited the Alaska Airlines Arena crowd.
However, the momentum suddenly shifted when Sellers picked up her second foul.
Head coach Tina Langley had no choice but to sit her floor general, and the offense lost its early rhythm.
Although Washington still shot an efficient 50% from the field (6-of-12) and 50% from three (1-of-2), the lack of a steady ball‑handler led to seven costly UW turnovers that limited their offensive opportunities in what could have been a dominant opening frame.
However, Washington’s defense held firm, even as UW’s offense stalled the Michigan Wolverines struggled to capitalize.
The Wolverines shot just 27.3% from the field (3-of-11) and failed to hit a three (0-of-1) in the quarter.
Washington’s defense, keyed by its activity on the glass and disciplined rotations, forced tough looks and limited second-chance opportunities.
Avery Howell began to assert herself early with seven points, while Sellers, Brynn McGaughy, and Yulia Grabovskaia chipped in two points each.
Despite the offensive stagnation once Sellers left the floor, the Huskies carried a 13–11 lead into the second period. It was a modest margin, but it hinted that defensive effort that would define the hotly contested matchup.
2nd Quarter – Howell Catches Fire
In the second period, top scorers Sayvia Sellers and Elle Ladine continued to sit on the bench due to foul trouble.
Washington needed a scorer and stabilizer and Avery Howell answered that call.
In the second quarter, Howell seize control of the Huskies offense by pouring in nine (9) points on blistering efficiency—80% shooting from the field (4-of-5) and a perfect 1-of-1 from three.
As a team, the Washington Huskies found a groove, shooting 57.1% (8-of-14) from the field and 33.3% (2-of-6) from beyond the arc.
Howell’s scoring punch provided a focal point, and her presence on the boards (5 rebounds) extended possessions and frustrated the Wolverines. Howell’s calm confidence seemed to ripple through the Husky lineup.
Consequently, the Dawgs put tremendous pressure on Michigan to score on a locked-in Huskies defense.
The Michigan Wolverines endured a brutal offensive quarter, managing just 7 points on 17.6% shooting overall and going 0-of-4 from three.
Furthermore, despite playing smaller lineups, the Huskies out-rebounded Michigan 12–8 in the period.
Offensively, the Huskies supporting cast delivered just enough: Hannah Stines added 3 points, while Devon Coppinger, McGaughy, and Sienna Harvey scored 2 apiece.
Washington stormed into halftime with a commanding 31–18 lead over Michigan with complete control of the game’s tempo.
3rd Quarter – Dawgs Take Control, Welcome Back Ladine
Coming out of halftime, the Washington Huskies faced a familiar challenge to sustain their intensity after building a big lead.
Indeed, in the third quarter, the Huskies offense increased its scoring output to 20 points behind a 9 point scoring outburst by Elle Ladine — shooting 66.6% overall (2 for 3); and 50% from three-point range ( 1 for 2); and 100% from the free throw line (4 for 4).
As a team, Washington shot 46.2% (6 of 13) from the field overall; and 33.3% (1 of 3) from three-point range, maintaining both efficiency and aggression.
Meanwhile, the Michigan Wolverines did manage tovcfind some offensive rhythm, scoring 15 points on 42.9% shooting (6-of-14) and 33.3% from three (2-of-6).
But even with 3 turnovers in the third period, the Huskies’ defensive pressure and Elle Ladine’s 9-point scoring outburst kept the Huskies in control. In addition, Avery Howell and Yulia Grabovskaia added 4 points each; Devon Coppinger added 2 points and Brynn McGaughy contributed one point.
By the end of the third period, Washington had extended its lead to 51–33, maintaining an 18-point lead.
4th Quarter – Nerves but Sellers Closes the Door
In the final period, Washington was outscored by Michigan, 13 to 19, as the Huskies faced pressure to finalize a major upset victory of the Wolverines.
However, after spending much of the game on the bench due to fouls, Sayvia Sellers stepped into the spotlight in the final period by scoring nine points on 25% (1 of 4) and 33.3% (1 of 3) from three-point range and 100% perfect (6 of 6) from the free throw line.
The Huskies shot only 25% from the field overall (2 of 8) and managed 33.3% (1 of 3) from three‑point range — however, that lone three and a sequence of clutch free throws came from one crucial source: Sayvia Sellers.
Down big, Michigan surged offensively with 19 points to try and or prevent the upset with 44.4% shooting overall (8 of 18) and 33.3% (1 of 3) from three-point range beyond the arc.
The Wolverines defense also pressed Washington heavily and turned UW’s ball‑handling issues (10 turnovers in the fourth) into additional offensive opportunities.
The Huskies were led by Sayvia Sellers with 9 points; Avery Howell and Hannah Stines added 2 points each. No other Husky player scored in the final period.
Despite the offensive lull, the Dawgs defense held firm long enough to close out a huge upset home victory, 64-52, over the #6-ranked Wolverines.
Winning a grind‑it‑out game against an elite opponent will stand as a cornerstone win on Washington’s NCAA tournament résumé.
GO DAWGS!
NEXT UP: UW WBB Huskies vs Michigan State -Thurs. January 8th @ 6pm
