B1G Game Preview: UW WBB Huskies at Maryland – Wed. January 28th @ 4PM PST

On Wednesday, January 28th, the #25-ranked Washington Huskies arrive in College Park to bring a deliberate, defensive-minded approach into a hostile environment, facing a No. 16 Terrapins team desperate to snap out of its worst slump of the season.

Statistically, both programs look like juggernauts.

Washington averages 73.9 points per game while allowing only 57.6, owning a +15.7 scoring margin powered by stingy defense and efficient shot selection.

Meanwhile, UW’s opponents shoot just 38.2% from the field, evidence of how consistently the Huskies make every possession uncomfortable.

However, Maryland counters with arguably flashier numbers.

The Terrapins pour in 84.4 points per game and give up just 60.0, creating a dominant +24.4 scoring margin.

Maryland overwhelms teams with pace, quick-strike offense, and relentless energy on both ends. When the Terrapins get downhill and turn games into sprints, they can bury slower-paced opponents quickly.

Washington Preview – Defensive Backbone: Controlling the Paint and the Tempo

Washington’s game plan begins with a defensive backbone.

The Huskies hold opponents to that 38.2% shooting mark by contesting everything—at the arc, in the midrange, and especially at the rim.

The Huskies average 4.6 blocks per game, with freshman forward Brynn McGaughy anchoring the interior and swatting 1.3 shots a night.

Furthermore, Washington cleans the glass with discipline, pulling down 41.2 rebounds per game and rankingthird in the Big Ten with 27.5 defensive rebounds per game.

Guards like Avery Howell and Elle Ladine contribute heavily, helping the Huskies finish possessions and prevent opponents from building momentum with second-chance points.

Against a Maryland team that thrives on offensive rebounds and put-backs, that focus becomes even more critical.

Maryland Preview – Controlled Chaos: Turnovers, Transition, and Relentless Attacks

In contrast, the Terrapins build their game around disruption. Maryland averages 10.1 steals per game and forces 15.9 turnovers, turning those takeaways into 24.3 points off turnovers on average.

Maryland turns forced turnovers, defensive rebounds and broken plays into easy fastbreak points.

Additionally, Maryland’s commitment to crashing the glass fuels their tempo.

The Terrapins average 16.1 offensive rebounds and 15.4 second-chance points per game, slightly outpacing Washington’s 13.6 offensive boards and 13.9 second-chance points.

When Maryland is at its best, it is not just the first shot that hurts teams—it is the second and third attempts that stretch leads and break resistance.

Star Guard Showdown: Sayvia Sellers vs. Oluchi Okananwa

At the heart of this matchup is a compelling guard duel.

Washington junior point guard Sayvia Sellers is the engine of everything.

Sellers leads the Huskies in scoring, assists, and steals, averaging 18.3 points, 3.5 assists, and shooting 38.5% from three.

With the ball in Sayvia’s hands, Washington’s offense becomes organized and dangerous, balancing ball screens, paint attacks, and kick-outs to shooters.

The Huskies have developed a strong offensive core for Sayvia Sellers to orchestrate that is lethal both behind the arc and at the rim.

Sophomore 6’0″ guard Avery Howell averages 12.9 points with an elite 41.0% accuracy from three-point range; while also finishing 72.7% of her shots at the rim.

Her ability to stretch the floor and rebound like a forward can help Washington counter Maryland’s size and aggressiveness on the glass.

Additionally, 5’11” senior guard Elle Ladine scores 10.4 points with an elite 40.4% accuracy from deep range, while finishing 68.2% of her shots at the rim; plus Ladine’s 4.9 rebounds gives the Huskies a physical, versatile perimeter presence. Despite a statistical dip from last season due to early injuries, her experience in big moments still matters immensely on the road.

In the frontcourt, 6’3″ freshman forward Brynn McGaughy scores 8.3 points with an elite 72.7% scoring efficiency at the rim; and team-leading shot-blocking.

The Huskies have a balanced core capable of stabilizing the game when Maryland inevitably makes a run.

Meanwhile, Maryland leans on 5’10” guard Oluchi Okananwa, who averages 17.1 points on 52% shooting from the field overall; grabs 5.6 rebounds; and dishes 2.0 assists. Okanawa attacks downhill, stretches the floor, and sets the tone for the Terrapins’ up-tempo identity.

Moreover, with 6’3″ senior guard Yarden Garzon averaging 12.9 points on 39.9% shooting from three-point range;

plus 6’3″ forward Isimenme Ozzy‑Momodu controlling the glass with 6.8 rebounds per game, Okananwa is surrounded by weapons that can punish any lapse in Washington’s defensive concentration.

UW WBB Keys to Victory

To secure the victory over the Maryland Terrapins, the UW Huskies will need to disrupt the Terrapins, as follows.

First, the Huskies must limit turnovers — they average a respectable 14.3 turnovers per game, but against a Terrapins team that lives off transition, every possession matters. If Washington can keep its turnovers near or below that average, Maryland’s fastbreak edge—already 16.8 fastbreak points to UW’s 11.3—begins to shrink.

Second, Washington must neutralize Maryland’s advantage on the boards. The Terrapins average 42.8 total rebounds and 39.3 points in the paint, slightly better than the Huskies’ 37.5 points inside. By boxing out with collective effort and limiting second-chance opportunities, Washington can force Maryland to play more in the half court, where the Huskies’ rim protection and disciplined rotations shine.

Third, Washington must control tempo and build their offensive attack around efficiency, not volume.
The Dawgs finish 65.0% of their attempts within 4.5 feet, and shoot 35.9% from three, using spacing to pull defenses out of the paint and open driving and cutting lanes inside. Every composed, high-efficiency possession neutralizes the Terrapins’ preferred chaos and drags the game into Washington’s comfort zone.

Fourth, let Sayvia Sellers own the offensive tempo by putting the ball in Sellers’ hands early and often. Sellers must control pace—slowing things down when Maryland tries to run, pushing only when the advantage is clear. If she can manage the game, limit rushed possessions, and keep Washington out of chaotic, up‑and‑down stretches, the Huskies can pull Maryland into a more deliberate style.

Fifth, make Maryland star guard Oluchi Okananwa work on both ends by forcing Okananwa into long defensive possessions—chasing through screens, defending drives, and staying locked in. The more energy she expends defensively, the less explosive she becomes offensively.

Washington arrives in College Park with a chance to make a major statement by using its disciplined approach to exploit any impatience from a Maryland team eager to break its slump.

Ultimately, if the Huskies let Sayvia Sellers dictate tempo, take care of the ball, and compete relentlessly on the glass, they have a realistic path to slowing the Terrapins’ high-powered offense and securing an upset victory.

UW WBB Huskies Win Probability: 44%

GO DAWGS!

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