On Wednesday night in Seattle at Hec Ed, the No. 25 Washington Huskies (15-4, 5-3 Big Ten) continued their steady climb up the Big Ten ladder with a dominant 81-65 victory over the Penn State Nittany Lions (7-13, 0-9 Big Ten).
Sayvia Sellers scored 24 points, Avery Howell had a double-double, and No. 25 Washington dominated the second half in an 81-65 victory over Penn State on Wednesday night.
The Huskies led 38-37 at halftime before outscoring Penn State 43-28 in the second half.
Behind a smothering rebounding effort, and a relentless 43 to 28 second‑half surge, the Huskies protected their home floor for the 12th time this season, pushing their home record to an impressive 12-1.
Inside the Numbers: Efficiency, Paint Domination, and Pounding the Glass
For the game, UW’s offensive efficiency outshined Penn State’s offensive effort.
Washington shot 48.5% (32 of 66) overall from the field, including 35.7% from three-point range (5 of 14).
Meanwhile, Penn State shot 41.8% overall from the field, including 31.6% from three-point range (6 of 19).
While neither team blistered from beyond the arc, Washington’s balance and shot selection created a more sustainable offensive flow.
The Dawgs were most dominant in two decisive statistical categories: paint points and rebounding.
The Huskies poured in 48 points in the paint, relentlessly attacking the interior and making life difficult for PSU’s bigs.
Likewise, on the glass, Washington dominated 49-29, finishing with a staggering plus‑20 rebounding margin.
Second‑chance opportunities and one‑and‑done defensive stands tilted the possession battle clearly in UW’s favor, allowing them to control tempo even when their shots temporarily stopped falling.
UW WBB Player of the Game – Sayvia Sellers
Individually, the night belonged to Sayvia Sellers. Sellers dropped 24 points on a blistering 10-of-15 shooting (66.7%), showcasing her midrange game and ability to finish through contact.
Even without hitting a three (0-for-2), Sellers dictated the game’s rhythm; and combined with three rebounds, three assists, and one block, Sellers’ all‑around impact extended well beyond scoring.
Other Notable Huskies Performers
Avery Howell’s 13-point, 12-rebound double-double anchored the backboard battle and stretched the floor with her three makes from deep.
Howell shot 42.9% from three-point range and 50% on two-point attempts.
Freshman Brynn McGaughy’s 14 points and 9 rebounds off the bench gave Washington a major boost, especially in that dominant first quarter.
For the game, McGaughy shot 58.3% (7 of 12) from the field overall.
STARTING FIVE
1st Quarter – McGaughy’s Spark and an Early Statement
The first period belonged to Washington’s frontcourt and its defensive intensity.
While both teams opened a bit tight—missing early looks and trading empty possessions—the Huskies were first to settle in.
The Dawgs struck with an early three by Avery Howell and quickly established their scoring pace and rhythm.
Washington shot 62.5% efficiency overall, controlled the glass, and used its size to force PSU into tough looks.
Off the bench, Brynn McGaughy became the catalyst. She drilled her first five field goal attempts (5 for5), posting 10 points in the opening frame.
(Besides McGaughy, Avery Howell added five points; plus Sayvia Sellers, Elle Ladine and Sienna Harvey scored 2 points each for the Huskies.)
The Nittany Lions, despite finding brief answers through guard play, struggled to match the Huskies’ early physicality.
McGaughy’s 10-point scoring burst, combined with UW’s active defense, powered a 21-11 first‑quarter lead for the Dawgs
2nd Quarter – Penn State Punches Back
In the second quarter, PSU began to settle into its offense, with center Gracie Merkle becoming a consistent interior force.
The Nittany Lions methodically chipped away at the deficit, as a 13-0 PSU run flipped the script as the Nittany Lions surged.
The Huskies endured the scoring drought, as Washington briefly lost its offensive rhythm.
In the second period, Sayvia Sellers led the Dawgs with seven points; Avery Howell and Elle Ladine chipped in three points each; and Yulia Grabovskaia and Brynn McGaughy added two points each.
By halftime, Washington’s once‑comfortable lead had shrunk to a precarious 38-37 edge over the Nittany Lions.
3rd Quarter – Sellers Takes Over and UW Finds Separation
Coming out of halftime, it was clear that the third quarter could define the game.
Washington responded to an early 40-38 by Penn State, anchored by UW’s star guard, Sayvia Sellers.
Alhough the Huskies began the quarter in a shooting slump—just 2-for-10 from the field to start—they compensated by living at the free‑throw line, hitting 6 of 7 in the early minutes.
Sellers gradually imposed her will, scoring 9 of UW’s 22 points in the frame.
As Washington re‑asserted itself on the glass and maintained pressure at the rim, the Huskies rebuilt a cushion and closed the quarter ahead 60-51.
4th Quarter – Howell Hits Milestones Amid Huskies’ Knockout Run
Washington opened the final period with a three-point dagger from Avery Howell.
Howell also recorded her 500th career point and 250th career rebound, hitting both milestones in the final quarter.
Washington outscored Penn State 21-14 in the final period, settling at the final 81-65 margin for a Huskies victory.
