The #23 Washington Huskies (12-3) could not deliver an upset over the #15-ranked Michigan State Spartans (15-1) in front of a raucous Hec Ed crowd on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
The Huskies hosted the Spartans in a fast-paced women’s college basketball matchup that started strong for UW as Elle Ladine scored 12 points in the first quarter on four made three-pointers.
However, the first quarter’s promise of a possible Washington upset victory gave way to a steady dominance as Michigan State increasingly imposed its will for the remaining three quarters.
For the game, the Washington Huskies shot 37.9% from the field overall; although they shot 41.4% from the three-point line, most of the UW threes were recorded in the first quarter.
For the game, the Michigan State Spartans shot 51.6% from the field overall, including 35.7% from the three-point line.
For the game, the Michigan State Spartans shot 51.6% from the field overall, including 35.7% from the three-point line.
Michigan State scored 50 points-in-the-paint versus only 15 by Washington.
The Spartans also dominated the Huskies in rebound margin, 40-28.
Defensively, the Spartans recorded 10 steals from the Dawgs, while UW committed 17 total turnovers.
Surprisingly, Washington’s guard-heavy roster had no answer for Spartan redshirt-sophomore point guard Kennedy Blair, who scored 21 points with five assists and six rebounds.
By the final buzzer, the score reflected not only the Spartans’ size and rebounding edge but also their superior efficiency quarter by quarter versus the Huskies’ early first quarter surge to start the game.
UW Players of the Game: Elle Ladine
The early scoring brilliance of guard Elle Ladine did not last long but was key to the Huskies having the lead at the end of the first period.
For the game, Elle Ladine shot 45.5% (5 of 11) from the field overall; including, 71.4% from three-point range (5 for 7).
Ladine scored 15 points in 32 minutes; and added 4 rebounds, and 1 steal.
Unfortunately, when the game was still in the balance, Ladine received very little scoring assistance from her Huskies teammates after the Spartans adjusted to deny her scoring opportunities the remainder of the game.
STARTING FIVE
First-Quarter – Elle’s Fast Start, Subtle Warning Signs
Elle Ladine opened the game for the Huskies by knocking down four consecutive three-pointers in the first period.
Powered by Elle Ladine’s hot shooting the Huskies scored a robust 25 points in the first period as the Huskies offense seized control early.
Washington shot 53.3% from the field (8-for-15); including, 50% from three-point range (5-for-10).
Meanwhile, Michigan State struggled to keep pace with only 14 points in the first period on 38.5% (5 for 13) shooting from the field overall; and 33% from three-point range (1 for 3).
Defensively, the Huskies were efficient and scored five points off of the four turnovers committed by the Spartans.
Elle Ladine led the Huskies in scoring with 12 points; Brynn McGaughy and Hannah Stines added four points each,Devon Coppinger added three points; and Avery Howell scored two points.
Second-Quarter – From Balanced Battle to Spartans Surge
In the second quarter, the Spartans methodically tightened their defense to deny Elle Ladine and other Huskies uncontested shots, particularly from deep range.
Washington struggled to muster a credible offense, scoring only 11 points in the period on 38.5% shooting (5-13), including just one made three-pointer on only two attempts (1 for 2) — and made matters much worse by committing 9 turnovers in the quarter.
Meanwhile, the Michigan State Spartans ramped up their offensive execution.
The Spartans shot 58.8% overall (10 of 17); including, matching the Huskies three-point output (1 for 2).
By halftime, the statistical picture clearly favored Michigan State
The Spartans led in total rebounds, 17-14, over the Huskies and offensive boards, 5-2.
Meanwhile, the Huskies, committed 9 turnovers in the second period
Brynn McGaughy led the Huskies with four points; Elle Ladine added three points; plus Sayvia Sellers and Sienna Harvey scored two points each.
Third Quarter Response: Huskies Fight Back, Perimeter Push and Tactical Adjustments
Coming out of halftime, the Washington Huskies offense continued to short circuit in the face of the Spartans’ relentless defensive intensity.
Again, the Huskies could only muster 11 points in the period on a moribund 22.2% shooting, including 27.3% ( 3 of 11) from three-point range — while committing 7 turnovers leading to 9 points scored by the Spartans.
Meanwhile, the Michigan State Spartans went on a 10-0 scoring run early in the period and never relinquished control.
In the quarter, the Spartans displayed offensive efficiency on 50% shooting (5 for 10) overall, including 33.3% from deep (2 for 6).
Again, the Spartans out-rebounded the Dawgs, 14-10, including a 6 to 4 offensive rebounding advantage.
Sayvia Sellers led the Huskies in scoring with five points; plus Avery Howell and Hannah Stines added three points each.
The Michigan State Spartans were comfortably leading the Huskies, 62-47, heading into the final period.
Fourth Quarter – Spartans’ Depth vs. Huskies’ Fatigue and Foul Trouble
In the fourth quarter, the cumulative effect of the Spartans’ physical style became even more evident.
Although the Huskies manage to score 20 points in the final quarter on 41.7% shooting overall, including 50% from three-point range (3 for 6), it was too little to late.
Defensively the Huskies struggled as the Spartans cruised to victory by also scoring 20 points — on 58.3% shooting overall, including 33.3% from three-point range (1 for 3).
Sayvia Sellers and Sienna Harvey led the Huskies in scoring with seven points each; Avery Howell scored five points; and Devon Coppinger scored one point.
The Huskies suffered a disappointing defeat, 67-82, at the hands of the Michigan State Spartans.
NEXT UP: UW WBB Huskies at Purdue – January 11th @ 11AM PST
GO DAWGS!
