The Washington Huskies (13-9, 4-6 B1G) are on the road to face the Penn State Nittany Lions (10-12, 1-10 B1G), on Wednesday, February 5th @ 3PM (also on the B1G + Network).
The Huskies have lost five of their last six games and struggled against B1G conference opponents with a .500 record or better. Fortunately, the Nittany Lions are one of the bottom dwellers of the B1G conference standings.
The Huskies have lost five of their last six games and struggled against B1G conference opponents with a .500 record or better. Fortunately, the Nittany Lions are one of the bottom dwellers of the B1G conference standings.Washington is currently averaging 72.5 points per game.
The Huskies are now shooting 36.3% from three-point range (45.8% on corner threes).
The Dawgs continue their high efficiency at-the-rim (within 4.5 feet) at 69.6% efficiency.
Washington’s scoring is led by three players averaging over 10 points per game: their backcourt duo of sophomore guard Sayvia Sellers (averaging 15.8 ppg and junior guard Elle Ladine (15.5 points per game); and 6’4″ forward Dalayah Daniels is contributing 11.4 points per game.
Penn State Nittany Lions
The Penn State Nittany Lions average 73.3 points per game.
Penn State shoots 34.9% on three-pointers overall; 33.5% on straightaway threes; and an excellent 37.8% on corner threes.
Penn State makes 63.7% of their attempts at-the-rim (284 for 446 attempts).
The Nittany Lions are also 42.2% effective from further away inside-the-paint (5 feet or more).
Penn State shoots only 36% from the mid-range area (77 for 214 attempts).
The Penn State Nittany Lions have three players averaging 10 points or more.
Gracie Merkle, a 6″6′ sophomore forward, is Penn State’s leading scorer, averaging a team-leading 15.3 points per game; along with 1.5 blocks; and 1.2 assists.
Merkle is exclusively an inside scoring threat: shooting 71.8% at the rim (within 4.5 feet) and 53.4% from further away in the lane.
Merkle has zero three-point attempts this season.
Gabby Elliott, a 5’10” graduate guard, averages 12.5 points per game; along with 4.5 rebounds; 1.7 assists; and 1.3 steals.
Elliott is a good finisher at the rim (62.1% within 4.5 feet); as well as further away in-the-paint (48.3%).
Elliott is a good finisher at the rim (62.1% within 4.5 feet); as well as further away in-the-paint (48.3%).Elliott is an excellent three point shooter making 41.2% overall (28 for 68).
Moriah Murray, a 5’8″ sophomore guard, averages 11.3 points per game; 2.7 rebounds; 2.6 assists; and 1.0 steals.
Murray is an inside-outside scorer: shooting an excellent 39.4% on three-pointer overall; a scorching 46.2% on corner threes; 36.2% on straightaway threes; as well as 69.2% at the rim within 4.5 feet; and 50% from further away in the lane (limited attempts).
Murray is an inside-outside scorer: shooting an excellent 39.4% on three-pointer overall; a scorching 46.2% on corner threes; 36.2% on straightaway threes; as well as 69.2% at the rim within 4.5 feet; and 50% from further away in the lane (limited attempts).To secure the victory over Penn State, the UW Huskies will need to:
(1) prevent Penn State’s leading scorer 6’6″ forward, Gracie Merkle,from establishing an offensive presence in the lane by limiting her post-ups and second chance opportunities;
(2) contain Penn State’s dual inside-outside scoring threats, 5’10” guard Gabby Elliott and 5’8″ Moriah Murray, by contesting all their three-point attempts and limiting their in-the-paint scoring attempts;
(3) score 30+ points in-the-paint, with at least 10 points contributed by Dalayah Daniels;
(4) efficiently execute Washington’s offense to limit turnovers to 10 or less, while forcing 10 or more turnovers by Penn State; and
(5) make at least 33% of the Huskies’ three-point attempts.
Huskies Win Probability: 55%
This is a “must-win” game for the Washington Huskies. The Penn State Nittany Lions are arguably the worst team in the B1G conference, and a convincing win will help the Dawgs bounce back from five losses in their last six games.
