The regular-season finale in Eugene between the Washington Huskies ( (20-9; 10-8 Big Ten) and the Oregon Ducks (20-11; 8-10 Big Ten) had all the makings of a heated battle; and it did not disappoint with a 70-69 thriller of a Huskies victory.
The Huskies arrived at Matthew Knight Arena with 19 wins and a chance to secure the Washington program’s first 20‑win season since 2016‑17.
Meanwhile, Oregon was eager to throw their own Senior Day party at the Huskies’ expense and build momentum heading into postseason play.
The final score was razor-thin, 70-69, and Washington’s defensive foundation was the backbone of UW’s victory — holding Oregon to nine points in the first quarter, forcing 14 turnovers, and collecting seven steals—three by Avery Howell alone.
The Dawgs also allowed only one Oregon assist all game, a staggering figure that speaks to UW’s discipline in staying home on shooters and disrupting passing lanes.
And even as the Ducks heated up late in the game, the Huskies’ ability to string together stops when it mattered most secured the victory for UW.
When Washington clinched its first 20‑win season since 2016‑17, it was a significant milestone for the program under Head Coach Tina Langley.
Sellers’ 29 points, Ladine’s 11 and five rebounds, Howell’s eight boards and three steals, and Coppinger’s clutch heroics all combined to create a signature road win the Huskies can build on heading into postseason play.
Moreover, the nature of the victory matters. The Dawgs led most of the way, absorbed a furious late rally from the Ducks, then found the toughness to reclaim the lead in the final seconds.
The Winning Margins for UW
For the game, the Huskies defense held the Oregon Ducks to 25% from three-point range (49.1% overall).
Meanwhile, Washington’s offense was an efficient 33.3% from three-point (45.8% overall).
UW finished with 13 assists to Oregon’s 1 assist, underscoring how much crisper and connected Washington’s offense was compared to the Ducks’ more isolation-heavy style.
One of the few statistical categories that swung heavily in Oregon’s favor was bench scoring. The Ducks’ reserves outscored Washington’s bench 32–11, giving Oregon essential firepower during its rallies. However, the Huskies mitigated that advantage through superior efficiency and ball movement.
Washington’s starters carried a heavier load, and they did so effectively.
The Dawgs shot better from three-point range; only committed 13 turnovers (two below their average); forced 14 Oregon turnovers; and turned those takeaways into 14 points—matching Oregon’s output in that area. On a night when the Ducks owned the bench numbers, UW countered by valuing possessions and sticking to its game plan.
STARTING FIVE
1st Quarter – Defense and Balance Give UW Early Control
From the opening tip, Washington imposed its will defensively — the Huskies held Oregon to just nine points in the first quarter.
On the offensive end, UW’s scoring balance set the tone.
Washington shot 46.2% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range in the opening period.
Devon Coppinger provided an early spark by leading the Dawgs with six points; Sayvia Sellers added five; while Brynn McGaughy and Elle Ladine added two points each.
By the end of the first, Washington led 15–9 and had Oregon chasing.
Second Quarter – UW Surge as Sellers Starts to Sizzle
In the second quarter, the Huskies’ offense found an even more efficient rhythm, as Washington shot a blistering 56.3% from the floor and 50% from deep.
Oregon finally began to knock down shots—shooting 50% overall and from three-point range for the period—but UW consistently had an answer.
Sayvia Sellers exploded for 11 points and took over the quarter showcasing her full offensive arsenal: she attacked off the dribble, hit shots from beyond the arc, and orchestrated the offense with poise.
Avery Howell followed with four points; and Hannah Stines, Devon Coppinger and Teagan Brown scored 2 points each.
The Dawgs headed into the locker room up 36–27, firmly in control in hostile territory.
3rd Quarter – Ducks Respond, Huskies Absorb the Blow
After halftime, Washington came out sharp once more, opening the third quarter with two quick buckets to stretch the lead to a 13-point lead, 40–27.
However, the Ducks responded, sparked by point guard Katie Fiso, they shot an impressive 61.5% in the third and began chipping away at the UW lead. Fiso scored 13 points in the period on perfect shooting, fueling a 13–2 Ducks run that slashed Washington’s lead to 42–40.
Nevertheless, the Huskies scored timely baskets and did not fold. Sellers and Ladine each scored five points in the quarter to lead the Dawgs; followed by Brynn McGaughy with 4 points; and Hannah Stines added 3 points.
After three periods, Washington still led 53–47 over Oregon.
4th Quarter – Ducks Rally Pushes Huskies to the Brink
The fourth quarter turned into a tense duel worthy of the UW‑Oregon rivalry.
In the final period, the Huskies cooled off to 37.5% shooting overall and struggled from long range (16.7%).
Meanwhile, the Ducks found their offensive groove, hitting 58.3% of their shots; and Oregon steadily chipped away at the Washington lead, finally pulling within one point at 60–59.
The Huskies pushed their lead back to 65–61 with 2:43 to play, but the Ducks went on an 8-2 scoring burst, led by Duck point guard Fiso, that gave Oregon its first lead of the game, 69–67, with 21 seconds remaining.
Sayvia Sellers drove and made a tough layup under pressure to tie the game at 69-69.
Then came the decisive sequence. Fiso attacked the lane in search of a go-ahead bucket, but McGaughy poked at the ball and Fiso lost control; committing a foul by running into Devon Coppinger, while chasing the loose ball.
Coppinger made one of two free throws giving UW 70-69 lead with five seconds left. Oregon’s last gasp came up empty, and the Huskies secured the one-point road victory.
UW WBB Huskies Player of the Game: Sayvia Sellers
By halftime, Sayvia Sellers had already stamped her signature on the night. She finished the opening 20 minutes a perfect 6‑for‑6 from the field, including four made three-pointers.
