In a bruising Sunday matchup at historic Hec Ed, the No. 25 Washington Huskies were defeated, 66-75, by an Illinois Fighting Illini squad that was supposed to be all “run and gun” but instead demonstrated a blue‑collar edge.
The Huskies five‑game winning streak came to an end as the Illini handed the Dawgs just their third home loss of the season.
For the game, UW shot an efficient 54% from the field overall; including 60% on two-point attempts and 30% from three-point range.
In addition, Washington’s rim protection was elite throughout the game, culminating in 10 blocks—Sellers and McGaughy each swatted three shots — and altering countless others.
In addition, Washington’s rim protection was elite throughout the game, culminating in 10 blocks—Sellers and McGaughy each swatted three shots — and altering countless others. However, UW’s inability to finish stops by securing rebounds undercut those efforts as Illinois countered with dominance on the boards and second‑chance scoring.
The Illini out‑rebounded Washington 33–24, including a 14–5 advantage on the offensive glass.
That rebounding edge directly translated to Illinois having a 26–6 edge in second‑chance points over Washington — a scoring margin which the Dawgs were unable to overcome.
Moreover, Illinois forced 16 Washington turnovers, converting them into 17 points on the other end.
Thus, Illinois was able to boost up their two-point efficiency to 51.1%; and countered shooting a mere 26.7% (4 for 15) from three-point range.
Despite UW’s overall offensive efficiency and season-high blocks, Washington could not fully offset the turnover differential combined with the rebounding disparity.
Despite UW’s overall offensive efficiency and season-high blocks, Washington could not fully offset the turnover differential combined with the rebounding disparity.UW WBB Players of the Game – Sayvia Sellers, Avery Howell, Brynn McGaughy
Despite the loss, UW point guard Sayvia Sellers delivered a standout performance (although not to her usual elite level) by scoring 17 points on 60% (6 of 9) shooting on two-point attempts and 0% (0 for 1) from three-point range; along with four assists, three blocks, and two steals.
Avery Howell. also contributed 17 points on a red hot 50% shooting from three and 83.3% from two-point range; and also grabbed seven rebounds.
Freshman forward Brynn McGaughy added another encouraging chapter to her debut season. McGaughy finished with 12 points on a super efficient 75% (6-for-8)shooting overall, along with four rebounds and three blocks.
Freshman forward 
STARTING FIVE
STARTING FIVE
First-Quarter – Efficient Dawgs’ Hot Start Takes Slim Lead
Washington opened with purpose, winning the tip and scoring on its first possession to set an early tone.
The Huskies’ offense looked sharp and composed, slicing through the Illinois defense to shoot 57.1% in the opening frame (8-for-14).
Despite going scoreless from three-point range (0-for-1), UW’s scoring inside the arc gave them a slight edge in a period that featured six lead changes and constant back‑and‑forth pressure.
Balanced scoring fueled the Dawgs early: Sayvia Sellers, Avery Howell, and Elle Ladine each posted four points in the first quarter, while Yulia Grabovskaia and freshman forward Brynn McGaughy added two apiece.
Washington’s offense appeared in rhythm, and despite Illinois shooting 38.9% from the field and 50% from deep, the Huskies edged ahead 16–15 by the end of the period.
Second Quarter – Illinois Scoring Run Takes Control
The game’s momentum changed in the second period.
Although Washington continued to shoot well—60% from the field (6-for-10) and 33.3% from three (1-for-3)— the Dawgs saw the scoreboard tilt sharply against them.
Illinois erupted for 22 points in the quarter, shooting 60% overall and 50% from deep, and unleashed a decisive 8–0 run that turned a slim UW margin into a sizable Illini advantage.
The Illini scoring burst was part of a larger 15–4 stretch that flipped a 24–23 Washington deficit into a 32–23 Illinois lead.
The Illini surge repeatedly capitalized on second‑chance looks and transition opportunities.
Despite the deficit, individual Huskies continued to produce. Sellers led Washington in the second with four points, while Ladine added three and the trio of McGaughy, Devon Coppinger, and Sienna Harvey chipped in two each.
By halftime, Washington trailed 29-37 and Illinois had firmly seized the game’s tempo.
Third Quarter – Dawgs Go Cold, Illinois Stretches Lead
Coming out of halftime, Washington needed a spark to close the gap.
Instead, the third quarter became the Huskies’ most difficult stretch offensively, as UW managed only 11 points on 38.5% shooting from the field (5-for-13) and 33.3% from three-point range (1-for-3).
Underscoring their offensive struggles, only two Dawgs scored in the entire frame: Brynn McGaughy with six points and Avery Howell with five.
The Illini’s offense was similarly mediocre, shooting 36.8% overall and going scoreless from deep (0-for-5), but their timely buckets and continued paint presence allowed them to maintain and extend their edge.
An 8–0 scoring run mid‑quarter pushed the Illini lead to 49–35, their largest of the game, before Washington trimmed it slightly to 51–40 heading into the final period.
Fourth Quarter – Dawgs Offense Surges Late
Washington faced an 11‑point deficit to start the fourth and responded with urgency — the Huskies exploded for 26 points in the final frame.
UW shot 61.5% from the field (8-for-13) and 33.3% from beyond the arc (1-for-3).
Sayvia Sellers led the Huskies late charge with nine points; meanwhile Avery Howell added eight; Devon Coppinger contributed five points; and Hannah Stines and Brynn McGaughy each scored two points.
The Dawgs cut Illinois’ lead down to six points in the final minutes.
Yet, Illinois never fully relinquished control.
Ultimately, Illinois maintained a double‑digit lead for much of the quarter and sealed the upset at the free throw line.
Despite Washington’s late surge, the Huskies were defeated by the Illini, 66-75–66.
For Washington, the 66-75 defeat will sting, especially at home and against an opponent against which the Dawgs were statistically favored.
Yet in many ways, this contest mirrored the kind of physical, possession‑by‑possession battles that define postseason play.
The lessons are clear: elite shot-making and rim protection must be paired with consistent rebounding and ball security.
The Huskies demonstrated resilience with their fourth‑quarter surge.
However, they also were served a reminder that a determined, physical opponent like Illinois can tilt a game through hustle plays, second‑chance points, and turnover pressure.
Next Up: Washington vs. Ohio State – February 5th @ 6pm
