B1G Game Preview: UW WBB Huskies at #2 UCLA Bruins – Thurs. Feb. 19th @ 7PM

On Thursday, February 19, 2026, the Washington Huskies (19–7 overall, 9–6 Big Ten) walk into Pauley Pavilion facing one of the toughest tests of their season: a road showdown with the #2-ranked UCLA Bruins (25–1, 15–0 Big Ten).

The Dawgs rely on a guard‑centric approach, team-rebounding toughness on the glass, and disciplined half‑court defense, while UCLA leans on its overwhelming depth, length, and blistering offensive efficiency.

Moreover, the stakes are clear for both programs. UW seeks a signature win to solidify its postseason resume and prove it can compete with the nation’s elite. Meanwhile, the Bruins look to protect home court, maintain their grip on the conference race, and flex the full power of a roster that has legitimate national title ambitions.

Washington is an underdog with belief and a blueprint, while the Bruins enter as a fully armed contender intent on sending another message to the college basketball world.

This matchup looks like a classic “elite juggernaut vs. dangerous underdog” scenario.

Washington Huskies Preview

By contrast, Washington’s identity is a tough, well‑balanced squad that thrives in more controlled environments.

The Huskies score 72.5 points per game on 45% shooting, including 32% from three; while yielding only 60.4 points to opponents, underscoring their defensive discipline.

UW grabs 40.1 rebounds per game and dishes out 13.8 assists, while generating 7.3 steals. These numbers show that the Dawgs excel in toughness and structure, even if they don’t match UCLA’s explosive ceiling.

Sayvia Sellers: The Huskies’ Go‑To Engine

Every upset blueprint for Washington starts with Sayvia Sellers. The Huskies’ dynamic guard is averaging 19.4 points per game on an efficient 50.1% shooting from the field; as well as 70.5% efficiency finishing at the rim.

Sellers adds 3.5 assists and 1.6 steals per game, operating as both UW’s primary scorer and offensive initiator. Sellers can attack off the dribble, pull up from mid‑range, and finish through contact, which makes her the one player on the floor capable of matching UCLA’s stars shot‑for‑shot when she’s in rhythm.

Furthermore, Sellers’ ability to create in the half court is vital against a Bruins defense that thrives on chaos. If she controls tempo, limits forced turnovers, and forces UCLA to defend multiple actions each possession, the Dawgs can drag the game into the grind‑it‑out style they prefer.

Avery Howell and the 2-Way Toughness Factor

If Sellers is UW’s spark, Avery Howell is its anchor. The versatile 6’0 sophomore guard scores 13.5 points on 48.7% shooting from the field, including 41.8% from three; while grabbing a team‑high 8.4 rebounds per game.

Howell also contributes 1.3 assists and 1.4 steals per contest, giving Washington a physical, two‑way presence who battles on both ends. Her rebounding from the perimeter is one of the main reasons the Huskies can compete on the glass against bigger frontcourts.

Additionally, Howell’s willingness to do the dirty work embodies the Dawgs’ identity. In a game where UCLA owns a size and length advantage, Howell’s production on the boards and in the paint could be the swing factor that keeps UW within striking distance.

Elle Ladine: Versatility on the Wing

Elle Ladine gives Washington a vital versatile wing, averaging 10.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game; as well as shooting 36.4% from three-point range — she fills gaps all over the box score.

Ladine can guard multiple positions, help on the glass, and act as a secondary creator when defenses overload onto Sellers.

Ladine’s defensive assignments will also be critical. She’ll likely spend long stretches chasing UCLA’s versatile wings, contesting shots, and trying to limit clean looks from deep. If she can disrupt rhythm while contributing double‑digit scoring, Washington’s upset hopes rise considerably.

Brynn McGaughy: Interior X-Factor?

Much of the pregame focus will be on the backcourt firepower for both sides, yet the true crux of this matchup may reside in the paint, where 6’3″ freshman forward Brynn McGaughy must stare down UCLA’s dominant center Lauren Betts — McGaughy’s performance inside could be the hidden variable that reshapes the game’s script.

McGaughy already functions as the interior backbone for the Huskies. gives UW much‑needed size, rim presence and physicality.

Averaging 8.4 points and 4.5 rebounds per game on 46.9% shooting, McGaughy provides efficient, low‑maintenance offense.

Moreover, her 69.9% finishing at the rim underscores a critical reality: when McGaughy gets touches in deep, good things usually happen for the Dawgs.

If the Huskies allow Betts to operate comfortably, the Bruins’ inside‑out offense could quickly overwhelm them — precisely where Brynn McGaughy must become the X‑factor.

Defensively, McGaughy leads UW with 1.2 blocks per game, and that timing will be crucial. She needs to contest Betts’ touches vertically, altering shots without piling up fouls. Even forcing Betts into slightly tougher angles can break UCLA’s rhythm, slowing their offensive attack and disrupting the fluidity of the Bruins offense.

On the other end, McGaughy’s offensive activity can subtly pressure UCLA. If she hits open midrange jumpers, rolls hard to the basket, seals deep in the post, and relentlessly pursues second‑chance points, she can drag Betts into more physical, energy‑draining possessions. McGaughy’s inside-the-arc threat would relieve pressure on Washington’s perimeter scorers, giving the Huskies a more balanced attack and preventing the Bruins from loading up defensively solely on the guards.

In addition, McGaughy’s ability to roll hard to the basket, seal in the post, and capitalize on second‑chance opportunities could relieve pressure on Sellers and Howell. If she provides timely interior scoring and challenges Betts physically, the Dawgs can avoid being overwhelmed in the paint.

UCLA Bruins Preview

UCLA enters averaging 86.3 points per game on 52% shooting from the field. The Bruins also control the glass with 43.2 rebounds per game and share the ball beautifully, posting 22.2 assists per contest. Defensively, they allow just 56.9 points per game, combining length and activity to smother opponents.

UCLA’s Star‑Studded Core

Lauren Betts and the Paint Problem

On the UCLA side, 6’7″ senior center Lauren Betts is the centerpiece of the Bruins’ inside attack.

Betts epitomizes efficiency, averaging 16.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per game on a staggering 57.7% shooting overall and finishing with 71.3% efficiency at the rim.

Betts also adds 3.1 assists and 1.0 steal per game, showing she’s more than just a back‑to‑the‑basket scorer. Her presence demands double teams, which opens cutting lanes and spot‑up opportunities for teammates.

Moreover, Betts’ ability to control the glass and punish single coverage could tilt the entire matchup. If Washington cannot at least neutralize her touches or force difficult angles (with Brynn McGaughy spearheading that effort) UCLA will repeatedly play inside‑out, generating high‑percentage looks and wearing down the Dawgs’ frontcourt defense.

Kiki Rice: Pace, Pressure, and Playmaking

Much like UW’s Sellers, point guard Kiki Rice acts as the Bruins’ engine. She averages 15.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, while shooting 50.8% from the field and swiping 1.7 steals per contest.

Rice’s combination of downhill aggression and court vision fuels UCLA’s transition bursts. When she pushes the ball, the Bruins turn defensive rebounds or turnovers into instant offense.

Furthermore, Rice’s 5’11 size and physical build at the guard spot presents a difficult matchup for the Huskies –she can post smaller defenders, attack closeouts, and still facilitate for shooters spotting up around the arc. If Husky defenders cannot contain Rice’s dribble penetration, the Bruins will repeatedly collapse the defense and generate open looks.

Perimeter Firepower: Jaquez, Leger‑Walker and UCLA’s X‑Factor

On the wings, 6’0″ wing-forward Gabriela Jaquez and 5’10 graduate guard Charlisse Leger‑Walker provide the Bruins with finesse and power.

Gabriela Jaquez averages 14.3 points per game on 56.1% shooting, including 74% at the rim; while grabbing 5.4 rebounds; and adding 2.0 assists; and 1.0 steal. Her off‑ball movement, cuts, and efficiency make her a constant scoring threat.

Meanwhile, Charisse Leger‑Walker contributes 8.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game; but she truly shines with a team-leading 5.6 assists and team-leading 1.6 steals (tied with Rice).

Together, these two will try to punish any out of position Washington defenders, turning every mis-rotation into a layup or kick‑out three. The Huskies must communicate and rotate flawlessly to avoid giving Jaquez and Leger‑Walker clean lanes and rhythm jumpers.

X‑Factor: Gianna Kneepkens and the Three‑Level Threat

As if that weren’t enough, 6’0 guard Gianna Kneepkens is one of the most efficient perimeter scorers in the country, averaging 13.0 points on 52.5% shooting overall; plus an elite 45.3% from three-point range; as well as an elite 62.4%efficiency on all two-point attempts.

She also grabs 3.4 rebounds and dishes 3.1 assists per game, underscoring her all‑around impact.

With Kneepkens is on the floor, the Bruins’ fluid offensive spacing reaches an elite level. She forces defenses defend her presence at the three-point arc, which opens driving lanes for Rice and Jaquez, and makes doubling Betts even more dangerous.

For UW, tracking Kneepkens off screens, contesting her every jumper, and avoiding fouls on three-point closeouts will be non‑negotiable if the Dawgs hope to stay close.

UW WBB Huskies Keys to an Upset Victory over UCLA

1. For Washington, the first key to victory is simple: slow the game down. The Huskies must drag UCLA out of its preferred fast, free‑flowing pace and into a deliberate, half‑court battle where every possession is contested and precious.

By controlling tempo, UW can limit the Bruins’ transition offense opportunities and keep UCLA’s deep rotation from wearing the Huskies’ defenders down over four quarters. A grind‑it‑out rhythm favors Washington’s structure and toughness while shrinking their vulnerability to explosive scoring runs.

2. Next, Washington must use Sayvia Sellers as the steady engine, not the just the star. UW need Sayvia Sellers to play like an All‑American while also being a calming force for her team. Washington needs her to attack efficiently, dictate game pace, and probe UCLA’s defense without settling for rushed, low‑percentage plays or shots.

If Sellers values the ball on every touch, limits forced turnovers and forces the Bruins to defend multiple actions each trip, UW can keep UCLA in the half court and prevent the game from turning into a high‑octane sprint.

3. Howell and McGaughy must lead UW’s toughness on the board approach to team-rebounding — crashing the glass with purpose and gang‑rebounding to neutralize UCLA’s size and length and limit the Bruins second-chance opportunities on the offensive glass.

If the Dawgs can keep the rebounding margin close or even steal a slight edge, they disrupt the Bruins’ rhythm and reduce easy points in the paint.

4. Defensively, Washington’s fourth key is to execute with ruthless half-court defensive discipline. The Huskies must collapse on Lauren Betts in the paint while still recovering out to shooters like Gianna Kneepkens, who could break the game open from deep.

Consequently, UW needs flawless rotations and communication to force UCLA into tough, contested twos instead of rhythm threes and fast break offense. If the Dawgs can reduce the Bruins’ efficiency, they can keep the score in a range where Washington’s methodical offensive attack can threaten an upset road victory.

5. Finally, Washington must manage the game’s big moments demonstrating composure (and ball security). As the game tightens, the Huskies’ role players must demonstrate smart shot selection, and lean on the offensive structure that got them into striking distance.

Furthermore, UW’s composure against UCLA’s inevitable scoring runs will be crucial. If the Dawgs can respond to every Bruins’ surge with poised possessions—getting to the foul line, attacking mismatches, and trusting their offense—they give themselves a real chance to walk out of Los Angeles with a signature upset.

Ultimately, this matchup boils down to whether Washington can impose its preferred tempo and leverage its guard strengths. The Huskies must slow the game, protect the ball against UCLA’s active hands, and force the Bruins to execute in the half court for full possessions.

Sellers needs a star‑caliber performance, Howell must compete relentlessly on the glass, and Ladine and McGaughy have to provide efficient support on both ends.

if the Huskies can turn this heavyweight matchup into a grind, the upset door opens a crack.

UW WBB Huskies Win Probability: 19%

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