B1G Game Preview: UW WBB Huskies at Rutgers — Monday, January 26th @ 12 Noon PST

Washington Preview

On January 26th at 12 noon, the Washington Huskies (15-4, 5-3 Big Ten) arrive at Rutgers (9-10, 1-7 Big Ten) firmly leading with their defensive identity after a dominant 81-65 victory over Penn State.

Washington averages 73.8 points per game while holding opponents to just 58.1, creating a dominant +15.7 scoring margin that showcases how consistently the Huskies impose their style.

The Huskies smother opponents with tough on‑ball pressure, aggressive rotations and closeouts, resulting in a modest 38.5% shooting average against the Dawgs.

Washington’s defense blends active perimeter defense with rim protection (at 4.6 blocks per game); as well as a healthy 46.0 total rebounds per game. Thus, contesting shots and setting the game tempo.

On offense, Washington scores with elite efficiency at the rim, finishing 64.9% of its attempts within 4.5 feet.

Meanwhile, Washington’s 36.2% accuracy from three-point range stretches opponent’s defensive schemes.

The engine that sets the pace offensively and defensively is Sayvia Sellers, a 5’7″ junior guard, averaging a team-leading 18.7 points per game on 49.1% shooting overall, including 37.6% from three-point range.

Sellers sets the tone for the Dawgs at both ends by also leading the Huskies in assists (3.3) and steals (1.6).

The Huskies have developed a strong offensive core for added firepower that is lethal both behind the arc and at the rim.

Sophomore 6’0″ guard Avery Howell averages 12.8 points with an elite 41.1% accuracy from three-point range; while also finishing 72.1% of her shots at the rim.

Howell also pulls down a team-leading 8.1 rebounds per contest to generate second‑chance opportunities on offense and fastbreak opportunities on defense.

Additionally, 5’11” senior guard Elle Ladine scores 10.8 points with an elite 40.4% accuracy from deep range, while finishing 68.2% of her shots at the rim — Ladine also adds 5.0 rebounds per game.

In the frontcourt, 6’3″ freshman forward Brynn McGaughy scores 8.3 points, grabs 4.5 rebounds, and posts a team‑best 1.3 blocks per game while converting 70% around the basket.

Rutgers Preview

Rutgers, conversely, operates with thinner margins than the Huskies.

The Scarlet Knights score 59.6 points per game and allow 65.2, a –5.6 scoring differential that often leaves them chasing games rather than dictating them.

Their 36.5% field‑goal shooting underscores their offensive struggles, especially when they fall behind and must generate points quickly.

As a result, Rutgers typically tries to shrink the game, drag opponents into the half court, and lean on physicality.

The Rutgers offense leans heavily on forward Nene Ndiaye, who leads the team with 14.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game;while shooting an efficient 46.3% from the field, including 40% from three-point range.

Imani Lester adds 11.1 points and a team-leading 5.9 rebounds.

Meanwhile Zachara Perkins contributes 10 points and Kaylah Ivey contributes 8.6 points per game, respectively, with Ivey also leading Rutgers in assists at 3.6 per game.

Still, the Scarlet Knights’ guards must do more than create; they must protect the ball.

If they can limit turnovers against Washington’s on‑ball pressure, Rutgers can set up its half‑court offense and feed the post. If not, the game tilts quickly toward Washington’s preferred up‑tempo pace.

UW WBB Keys to Victory

1. Dawgs Dictate Pace
Washington cannot afford to drift into the deliberate, grind‑it‑out style that the Rutgers Scarlet Knights prefer. Instead, the Huskies must push the ball off every defensive rebound or forced turnover, attack early in the shot clock, and keep the floor spread to let Sellers orchestrate.

Washington already averages more points per game than Rutgers typically allows, thus their natural free-flowing pace will avoid Rutgers’ biggest defensive strength—slowing games into the 50s or low 60s.

2. Match Rutgers’ Physicality in the Paint, No Foul Trouble
Rutgers thrives on bruising, interior basketball, attacking the paint and inviting contact to set a rugged tone. The Scarlet Knights, led by physical forces like Ndiaye and Lester, want to test Washington’s willingness to absorb blows inside.

The Huskies, however, must answer with controlled toughness rather than emotional reactions. If the Huskies hold their ground on the glass, contest shots vertically, and stay out of foul trouble, they can neutralize Rutgers’ primary weapon while preserving their own depth and efficiency over four quarters.

3. Let Sellers Orchestrate and Dominate
On offense, Sellers is the engine that turns up Washington’s intensity by pushing pace, manipulating ball screens, and reading the defense to free her teammates for open looks.

Defensively, Sellers’ to ability to apply on-ball pressure to Rutgers’ guards will impede their half‑court slugfest strategy by forcing hurried decisions and, ultimately, turnovers.

4. Win the Rebound Battle
UW’s rebounding effort (40.6 total rebs, 13.4 offensive) versus Rutgers’ rebounding effort (36.2 total rebs, 12.6 offensive) is more than a rebounding contest; it is a struggle for stylistic control.

When the Huskies secure the defensive boards cleanly, it presents immediate transition scoring chances, as well as denies the Scarlet Knights second‑chance opportunities.

Also, by limiting Rutgers’ offensive rebounds it reduces the number of grind‑heavy, physical possessions that can sap Washington’s rhythm. When the Huskies finish defensive stands with a rebound, they shift the game away from bruising post play and toward open‑court execution, where the balance and depth of the Dawgs shines.

5. Turn Rutgers’ Turnovers into Washington’s Transition Offense
Statistically, Rutgers averages 17.3 turnovers per game compared to Washington’s 14.5, and this gap will be key for the Huskies’ attack. Every forced turnover is an opportunity for the Huskies to sprint, space the floor, and generate high‑value transition chances.

If the Dawgs can also reduce their own turnovers, the Scarlet Knights’ desired slow‑tempo, possession‑by‑possession battle will give way to a faster, free-flowing game that overwhelmingly favors Washington.

The Washington Huskies should win this matchup with Rutgers easily by about 15 points.

Huskies Win Probability: 97%

GO DAWGS!

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