B1G Game Preview: UW WBB Huskies at Wisconsin – February 8th at 12 Noon PST

The #24-ranked Washington Huskies (17-6, 7-5 Big Ten) arrive in Madison to face the Wisconsin Badgers (13–10, 5–7 Big Ten) on Sunday February 8, 2026.

Washington Preview

The Huskies look to bounce back from a disappointing 60-70 loss to #9-ranked Ohio State at home and a two-game losing streak.

The Dawgs need to continue to add to their wins column, not just for Big Ten conference positioning but also to position themselves for a strong NCAA tournament seed — losing more games and drifting out of the Top 25 is not a strong way to end the regular season

Washington has crafted a clear identity: tough half‑court defense, disciplined shot selection, and a star guard who drives everything.

The Huskies average 74.0 points per game on 45% shooting overall, including an excellent 35.5% from three-point range and 63.6% at the rim; meanwhile allowing opponents only 59.4 points, making them one of the stingiest defenses in the Big Ten.

Furthermore, the Huskies dominate the glass with 40.5 rebounds per game, including 13.4 offensive rebounds per game.

That combination of offensive efficiency from three and at the rim, while controlling the boards, allows Washington to dictate the game’s pace against most opponents.

In Washington’s offense everything flows from elite 5’7″ point guard Sayvia Sellers — the explosive guard averages 19.4 points per game, adds 3.5 assists, and knocks down 38.2% of her threes while finishing over 70% at the rim.

Sellers stretches defenses with her three-point shooting and manipulates ball screens to attack the lane or midrange area. When Sellers controls tempo, Washington’s offensive efficiency soars.

The Huskies have developed a key offensive core for scoring balance that complements the dynamic Sellers. Wing‑guard 6’0″ Avery Howell has emerged as a true two‑way force, averaging 13.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting a scorching 42.3% from deep — her ability to stretch the floor and dominate the glass makes her a tough matchup.

Additionally, Elle Ladine adds 9.5 points per game and hits 37.1% from three, along with the ability to attack the lane and finish efficiently at the rim.
In the paint, 6’3″ freshman Brynn McGaughy provides 8.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks while converting 71.6% at the rim, anchoring Washington’s interior presence.

Wisconsin Preview

By contrast, Wisconsin averages 70.0 points by shooting a respectable 42% from the field, yet allows their opponents to score 70.4 points — a losing scoring margin.

However, the Badgers do one thing at an elite level: they hit threes in volume — with 8.9 made triples per game (on 35.1% shooting) , they rank among the best long‑range shooting teams in the country.

Thus, Wisconsin’s deep shooting is always a potential equalizer against more balanced teams like Washington.

Wisconsin’s offense attacks from beyond the arc with aggressive confidence, using spacing, movement, and rhythm to create open looks.

If Wisconsin’s three-point attempts start to fall and the game’s tempo increases, it could present a serious challenge for a Washington team to that prefers disciplined half‑court basketball to keep up.

Individually, the Badgers have players who can put stress on the Huskies defense.

Guard Destiny Howell, the Badgers’ primary offensive weapon, leads Wisconsin with 15.2 points per game on a red hot 43.3% shooting from three-point range.

Kyrah Daniels contributes 12.6 points and 5.6 rebounds, operating as a versatile wing who can pull bigger defenders away from the basket.

Inside the paint, Gift Uchenna adds 8.4 points and 6.8 rebounds on 60% shooting, punishing switches and cleaning up misses.

If the Badgers space the floor effectively and get production from all three, they can force Washington into uncomfortable defensive rotations.

UW WBB Huskies Keys to Victory

First, Husky defenders must stay relentlessly disciplined against the Badgers’ shooters — Wisconsin’s offense thrives on relocation, flare screens, and constant motion. If the Huskies communicate through screens and can contest most three-point attempts, they can contain the Badgers’ three-ball attack and limit scoring runs.

Second, the Huskies must dominate the boards to limit the Badgers’ offense to one-shot, while punishing Wisconsin with offensive rebounds and second chance points. With a +5.3 rebounding advantage on paper, the Huskies can lean on Howell and McGaughy to control the boards. If Washington wins the glass decisively and avoids forced turnovers, Wisconsin will struggle to create the transition offensive opportunities that fuel their scoring runs.

Third, let Sayvia Sellers orchestrate the Huskies offense by dictating tempo with a composed, efficient performance that will stabilize the Huskies against any Wisconsin scoring bursts and create open clean looks for Avery Howell, Elle Ladine, and Washington’s shooters.

Fourth, use Washington’s deep bench to sustain defensive intensity and wear dow the Badgers thinner roster. If the Huskies avoid lulls when starter substitutions are made, their overall depth should carry them through forty minutes.

Fifth, the Huskies must avoid excessive foul trouble (Wisconsin shoots 76.3% from the line) and limit their turnovers (UW averages 14.4 per game). If the Huskies play smart and don’t shoot themselves in the foot, they should turn this into a methodical Washington-style dismantling of the Badgers for a comfortable double digit win.

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