In a largely uncompetitive game (after the first quarter), the Washington Huskies (11-2, 1-1 Pac-12) were handed their first loss of the PAC-12 season by the Cal Bears, 57 – 70.
The Huskies shot 35.5% from the field overall — their second-worst shooting percentage of the season.
Washington’s defense allowed Cal to score 70 points (a season-high in points allowed by the Huskies) which was 23 points more than their PAC12 leading season average of 46.8 points allowed per game.
Meanwhile, Cal shot 50.9% from the field overall and 42.9% from three-point range which was their best offensive outing of the season.
California feasted on layups and shots in-the-paint against the Huskies, scoring 36 points in the paint.
Washington should have been fully briefed on California’s leading scorer Ioanna Krimili but did not look like it:
Krimili scored a season-high 21 points on 57.1% shooting overall (8 for 14) and 66.6% (4 for 6) from beyond the arc.
Washington’s offense, on the other hand, was dead on arrival, shooting 35.5% overall (22 for 62).
The Huskies had the lead only once during the game.
1st Quarter
The California Golden Bears started the game up 6-2 before the Huskies went on a 8-0 scoring run, which was promptly answered by an 8-0 scoring run by Cal.
Stines ????????
???? Pac-12 Bay Area#Becoming x #DawgFight pic.twitter.com/n9DnLa9Hxs
— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) January 6, 2024
Elle Ladine led the Huskies in the first quarter with 5 points.
2nd Quarter
UW was outscored 15-6 in the second period.
The Huskies were scoreless for the final five minutes of the second quarter and trailed 31-20 at the half.
Elle Ladine led the Huskies in the second quarter with 6 points — every other Husky was scoreless for the quarter.
Washington committed seven turnovers in the second period and UW finished the first half shooting only 28.1%.
3rd Quarter
California’s leading scorer Krimili continued to torment the UW defense by hitting two straight threes to begin the third period.
Washington’s poor defense continued to be exploited for most of the quarter as Cal built a 20-point lead.
In the last 2 minutes, the Huskies finally showed some signs of life, as UW went on a 7-0 scoring to end the third quarter down by 13 points, 51-38.
Sellers ➡️ Schwartz
???? Pac-12 Bay Area#Becoming x #DawgFight pic.twitter.com/HoiDBO0egH
— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) January 6, 2024
Lauren Schwartz led the Huskies in the third period with 6 points.
4th Quarter
The Huskies never got closer than 12 points in the fourth quarter, as California cruised to victory, 70-53.
Elle Ladine led the Huskies in the final period with 9 points
UW WBB Player of the Game: Elle Ladine
Washington was led by Elle Ladine’s competitive spirit and her 24 points — and she got them all through relentless play.
With a balanced inside-outside offensive attack, Ladine shot 40% from three-point range (2 for 5); as well as, 66.7% (6 for 9) at the rim i.e., within 4.5 feet.
[The only other Husky that showed up to the game with a significant spark was freshman Sayvia Sellers — the Huskies were plus 5 (+5) during the 16 minutes that Sellers was in the game.
Despite being only 1 for 5 (20.0%) from the field (she made one layup), Sayvia finished with 4 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists, but more importantly she brought (sorely lacking) leadership when the ball was in her hands.]
Next Up at Stanford
The Washington Huskies travel to face the Stanford Cardinal on Sunday, January 7th at 1PM Pacific.
GO DAWGS!
