The Washington Huskies (12-4) enter Wednesday’s matchup at the Indiana Hoosiers (11-7) with something to prove and little margin for emotional hangovers.
After dropping a frustrating 72–78 decision at Purdue that extended their losing streak to two games, Washington faces an Indiana team with a 5-game losing streak, both teams sorely in need of a win.
The Washington Huskies offense currently averages 73.3 points per game; meanwhile, UW’s opponents average 57.6 points per game with a shooting average of 38%.
The Huskies are highly efficient scoring at the rim (within 4.5 feet) making 60.9% (209 of 343) of their shots; however, Washington is shooting only 37.7% from farther away in the lane.
The Huskies remain red hot from deep range this season, shooting 36.5%, which is almost identical efficiency as last season (37%).
Junior 5’7″ point guard Sayvia Sellers leads the Huskies with poise and aggression while averaging 18.6 points, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 steals per game; as well as shooting 38.7% from three-point range and an impressive 54.0% on two-point attempts.
Sellers 68.8% efficiency finishing at the rim underscores her ability to break down defenses and finish through contact, making her a constant threat in both transition and half-court sets.
6’0″ guard Avery Howell, is the Huskies second leading scorer at 13.5 points per game; while contributing a team-leading 7.7 rebounds per game; as well as 1.3 steals per game.
Howell is the Huskies’ leading sharp-shooter from three-point range, making 43.5% (40 for 92) from deep; as well as an elite scorer within 4.5 feet of the rim (70.3%) and 40% farther away in the lane, giving the Dawgs a potent inside-outside weapon.
Howell’s rebounding, especially on the defensive glass, often ignites Washington’s transition game and can tilt the possession battle sharply in their favor.
Senior 5’11” guard Elle Ladine is currently the Huskies third-leading scorer at 10.6 points per game; while adding 4.9 rebounds; and 1.3 steals per game.
Ladine converts 58.8% at the rim and 33.3% farther away in the paint; as well as 40.5% from three-point range.
Ladine converts 58.8% at the rim and 33.3% farther away in the paint; as well as 40.5% from three-point range.Finally, freshman 6’3″ forward Brynn McGaughy is the Huskies fourth-leading scorer at 7.6 points per game; second-leading rebounder at 4.5 per game; and has a team-leading 22 blocks this season (1.4 per game).
Indiana Hoosiers Preview
The Indiana Hoosiers average 71.2 points per game; while the Hoosiers defense allows opponents to score 65.7 points per game — a thin margin for victory.
The Hoosiers are most efficient scoring at the rim (within 4.5 feet) making 63.8% of their shots; while making a very efficient 45.9% from farther away in the lane.
The Indiana Hoosiers feature three players averaging double figures in scoring.
Indiana is led by Shay Ciezki, a dynamic 5’7″ senior guard, who is averaging a team-leading 23.2 points per game; while efficiently shooting 53.5% from the field and 91.1% at the free-throw line.
Ciezki also contributes 3.3. rebounds; a team-leading 3.1 assists (tied); and a team-leading 1.4 steals.
Ciezki is lethal at the rim, converting 69.6% of her attempts there, and although she shoots a modest 30.4% from three, her overall efficiency and ability to get downhill make her the centerpiece of the Hoosiers’ attack.
Lenée Beaumont, a 6’1″ redshirt sophomore guard, adds 13.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while serving as the team’s premier floor spacer, hitting 42.5% from three-point range.
Beaumont’s gravity on the perimeter, drawing defenders, opens driving lanes for Ciezki and creates interior space for the Hoosiers’ bigs.
Zania Socka-Nguemen, a 6’3″ sophomore forward is averaging a third-leading 12.6 points per game; and a team-leading 8.9 rebounds.
Socka-Ngeumen is the Hoosiers leading interior presence offensively.
