The #25 ranked Washington Huskies (16-4; 6-3 Big Ten) arrived in Piscataway, N.J, for the first time ever to face a Rutgers team (9-11, Big Ten 1-8) eager to rebound during its annual Play4Kay game and shake off a tough loss to Michigan, 60-94.
Washington imposed its will from the opening tip. By the final horn, the Huskies had secured a resounding 76-48 victory, stretching their win streak to four and further legitimizing their Big Ten (and NCAA March Madness) credentials.
For Washington, it was a complete, four-quarter performance rooted in defense and rebounding.
On the boards, Washington delivered with a dominant 51 total rebounds, and out-rebounded Rutgers by a decisive 21-board margin (51-30).
The box score underscored what the eye test suggested: Washington dictated the game’s terms. The Huskies held Rutgers to 32.2% shooting from the field and just 21.1% from three.
The Scarlet Knights’ 48 points were the fewest by any Big Ten opponent against Washington this season, a testament to the Huskies’ defensive discipline, rotations, and on-ball pressure.
The Scarlet Knights’ 48 points were the fewest by any Big Ten opponent against Washington this season, a testament to the Huskies’ defensive discipline, rotations, and on-ball pressure.Meanwhile, the Washington Huskies’ offensive efficiency was enough to outshine Rutgers’ offensive effort.
Washington shot 44.1% (30 of 68) overall from the field, including 32.3% from three-point range (10 of 31).
The Dawgs were dominant in-the-paint, scoring 36 points versus only 14 by Rutgers, by continuously attacking the interior of Rutgers’ defense.
Likewise, 20 second‑chance opportunities by the Dawgs easily eclipsed a mere seven second chance points by Rutgers.
UW WBB Players of the Game – Brynn McGaughy’s Breakout and Yulia Grabovskaia’s Glass Masterclass
Washington freshman forward Brynn McGaughy delivered her best performance in Big Ten play, scoring 17 points on a hyper-efficient 8-of-9 shooting; and adding seven rebounds.
Equally impressive, if not more so, was the dominance of Grabovskaia on the boards. The forward hauled in a career-high 17 rebounds, the most by any Husky since January 2018.
Grabovskaia nearly posted a double-double with nine points, anchoring the paint on both ends.
Other Notable Huskies Player Performances
Meanwhile, Avery Howell continued her consistent sophomore campaign with 16 points and seven rebounds—her 15th game this season scoring in double figures.
Sayvia Sellers may not have hit her season scoring average, finishing with 11 points, but her six assists and perimeter impact were instrumental in orchestrating the offense.
STARTING FIVE
1st Quarter – Defense, Boards, and Early Balance
From the outset, Washington made it clear that Rutgers would earn every point. The Huskies jumped to a 5-0 lead, immediately putting the Scarlet Knights on their heels and forcing an early timeout.
Although Rutgers responded with buckets from Imani Lester and Lauryn Swann, Washington’s defensive structure held firm.
Offensively, the first quarter showcased Washington’s balance. Avery Howell and Elle Ladine each contributed five points, while the team as a whole spread the scoring load.
More importantly, the Huskies controlled the glass. Yulia Grabovskaia pulled down five early rebounds, establishing a physical interior presence that Rutgers struggled to match.
By the end of the quarter, Washington led 20-12 and had already set the tone by holding the Scarlet Knights without a three-pointer.
2nd Quarter – Surge: Sellers Ignites, Lead Explodes
The second quarter is where Washington truly separated itself. The Huskies opened the frame with an 8-0 run, blending sharp execution with confident perimeter shooting.
A three-point play, followed by a layup and a shot from deep, pushed the lead to 28-12 and forced Rutgers into yet another timeout.
From there, Sayvia Sellers took over. The sophomore guard, who leads Washington in scoring on the season, showcased her full offensive arsenal.
Sellers knocked down three triples in the quarter, scoring nine points while adding an assist and a block. Her shooting stretched the Rutgers defense, creating space for others and compounding the Scarlet Knights’ struggles. “
As Washington closed the half with back-to-back threes from Sellers and Howell, the Huskies carried a commanding 43-20 advantage into the locker room, having shot 50% from beyond the arc in the period.
3rd Quarter – Owning the Paint, Extending the Gap
If the first half was about establishing control, the third quarter was about consolidating it.
Washington dominated the interior, carving out 12 points in the paint in the frame alone.
While Rutgers opened with a second-chance layup from Antonia Bates and a corner three from Kaylah Ivey, the Huskies responded with an 11-0 run that effectively put the game out of reach.
Grabovskaia played a pivotal role during this stretch. She added five points during the third-quarter surge and continued to inhale rebounds.
With 4:22 remaining in the period, a free throw from Grabovskaia capped a 9-0 run, reinforcing Washington’s grip on the game. Howell chipped in another five points, continuing her steady scoring presence.
Even when Rutgers strung together an 8-2 run late in the quarter, the Huskies weathered the push and entered the fourth leading 62-39, firmly in control on both ends.
4th Quarter – Finish: Depth, Discipline, and Defensive Closure
Washington never allowed the Scarlet Knights to entertain thoughts of a comeback in the final quarter. Rutgers managed just nine points in the frame as the Huskies maintained their defensive intensity and rebounding edge.
Every Washington lineup combination stayed connected, contested shots, and finished possessions with boards.
Moreover, the fourth quarter showcased the Huskies’ depth. Junior guard Chloe Briggs made a late statement, contributing five points, four rebounds, and an assist.
Freshman forward Brynn McGaughy added four more points and two rebounds, putting the final touches on an already impressive outing.
Even as the game’s tempo slowed, Washington stayed disciplined, closing out a wire-to-wire victory over Rutgers, 76-48.
