The Washington Huskies (12-4) fell 78–72 in overtime at Purdue (10-7).
Washington controlled much of the game but collapsed late, as a prolonged scoring drought, turnovers, and Purdue’s clutch shot‑making flipped the game.
Despite leading by 13 points in the second quarter and by eight with under four minutes left in regulation, the Huskies went scoreless for more than six minutes spanning the end of regulation and early in the overtime period.
The Huskies missed 10 straight shots during that overtime stretch and didn’t score again until the final 1:17 of the overtime period.
Washington’s late cold stretch and 20 turnovers proved decisive in the road loss.
In many ways, UW played well enough to win, however, the inability to manage late‑game pressure, protect possessions, and generate quality looks in the final minutes turned a potential “bounce back” win into a stinging lesson.
For the game, the Huskies shot 40% overall (28 of 70), including 33.3% from three-point range (6 of 18).
The Dawgs also scored a dominant 40 points in-the-paint.
For the game, the Boilermakers shot 42.4% overall (28 of 66), including a mere 26.9% from three-point range (7 of 26).
UW WBB Huskies Players of Game
There were some bright spots in a bitter and disappointing Huskies loss, however, statistically, there was plenty for UW to like—at least for the first 36 minutes.
However, Elle Ladine, the clear Huskies player of the game, delivered clutch baskets when the game was still undecided, pouring in seven straight points to stretch the UW lead back to eight points late in the fourth period.
Ladine finished with 13 points and a full stat line: four offensive rebounds, four defensive boards, two assists, a block, a steal, and a perfect 5‑for‑5 at the free‑throw line.
Early Control: Huskies Set the Tone
1st Quarter – Smooth Start
Washington opened the first quarter with early scoring balance, which allowed UW to dictate tempo while its defense disrupted Purdue’s rhythm.
The Dawgs shot 56% overall, including 50% from three-point range (2 of 4)
The Huskies defended the three‑point line well — Purdue shot 14% from three-point range (1 of 7) and 41% overall (7 of 17).
Playing with poise and purpose, the Dawgs claimed an 18–14 edge after the first quarter.
2nd Quarter – Huskies Surge
In the second quarter, the Washington Huskies surged to a 33–20 lead with six minutes left in the half by repeatedly attacking the rim and dominating the glass.
The Huskies shot 67% (2 of 3) from three-point range in the second period and 42% (5 of 12) overall.
Even as Purdue trimmed the margin before the break, Washington still headed to the locker room up 38–30.
3rd Quarter – Momentum Shifts
The Purdue Boilermakers outscored Washington 18 to 14 in the third period, as Washington’s offense began to stall.
The Huskies shot 33% (5 of 15) from the field overall, including 33% from three-point range (2 of 6).
Meanwhile, Purdue shot 50% overall (7 of 14), including 60% from three (3 of 5).
Nevertheless, the Huskies still entered the fourth quarter in front, clinging to a narrowing lead, 52-47, but holding onto control.
4th Quarter – The Collapse Begins
Early in the fourth quarter, it appeared UW had stabilized itself offensively.
The Huskies rebuilt an eight‑point advantage, 63–55, with 3:44 remaining in the third, fueled by seven straight points from Elle Ladine.
Her burst looked like the decisive run of the game and cemented Ladine as the clear UW WBB Player of the Game, even in defeat.
Then, in stunning fashion, the game flipped.
Washington went ice‑cold, missing its final nine shots of regulation –UW shot a mere 28% overall and was scoreless (0%) from three-point range (0 of 4).
This would start a Huskies scoring drought that would stretch for more than six minutes into overtime. In that window, the Purdue Boilermakers ripped off a 15–0 run spanning the end of the fourth and early OT.
Boilermaker Madison Layden‑Zay drilled three massive threes to fuel the Purdue run.
Suddenly, a contest UW had largely controlled suddenly headed to overtime tied 63-63.
Overtime – Purdue’s Surge and Huskies’ Silence
In overtime, the momentum remained squarely with the Purdue Boilermakers, as they continued their 15-0 scoring run which began late in the fourth period.
Meanwhile, Washington continued to desperately search for any offensive rhythm, but instead continued to misfire and turn the ball over at critical junctures.
Ultimately, the Huskies did not score again until the final 1:17 of OT, far too late to mount a realistic comeback.
Purdue closed out the 78–72 win at the free‑throw line and with defensive stops — the late drought and turnover margin (20 for UW, 16 for Purdue) ultimately defined the outcome.
