In a pressure packed contest (literally and figuratively), the #24-ranked Washington Huskies (17-6, 7-5 Big Ten) were defeated, 60-70, by the #9-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (21-3, 10-2 Big Ten) on Thursday night at historic Hec Ed.
Offensively, the Huskies struggled, making only 40% (22 for 55) of their shot attempts overall, including only 41.5% of their two-point attempts; yet converting a solid 35.7% (5 of 14) of their three-point shots.
The Huskies out-rebounded the Buckeyes 35–30, including a 12–8 edge on the offensive boards that translated into 10 second‑chance points for UW, Thus, illustrating the Dawgs’ commitment to crashing the glass.
Further evidence of Washington’s interior commitment, UW also edged Ohio State in points scored in-the-paint, 32-30.
The Dawgs also held the Buckeyes to just five made threes and forced Ohio State to find other ways to score, particularly through Jaloni Cambridge’s mid-range attack and scoring inside-the-paint.
However, the Buckeyes used a pressure defense strategy; and, as a result, capitalized on Washington’s 19 turnovers (17 of which came from UW guards) which directly resulted in 22 points for the Buckeyes — more than twice the 10-point margin of victory.
Although not highly efficient shooting (48.4% overall; 31.3% from three-point range)) for the game, Ohio State’s red hot starts to the first and third quarters (52.7 % overall; 19-36) set the tone in each half and built cushions that UW’s late runs could not fully erase.
Each turnover-laden empty trip for UW magnified the pressure on Washington’s defense and allowed the Buckeyes to maintain their cushion, especially in the third quarter. (Against a top-10 opponent that margin for error proved too slim.)
Consequently, although the Huskies fought until the finish, scoring 17 points in the final frame — it was too little, too late, despite Sayvia Sellers leading the late rally, at one point single-handedly delivering an 11-2 run for Washington.
UW WBB Huskies Player of the Game – Sayvia Sellers
Elite point guard Sayvia Sellers was sensational once again, finishing with 26 points on 9‑for‑16 shooting, including 50% (3‑for‑6) from deep range and a perfect 5‑for‑5 at the line.
Sellers also scored a midcourt “logo three” at the end of the first quarter to keep UW within striking distance; as well as willed the Dawgs back into contention in the fourth period.
However, Ohio State limited Sellers’ playmaking, holding her to just one assist while forcing five turnovers.
Ohio State clearly built its game plan around limiting her playmaking by constantly crowding her driving lanes and rotating help early. Their “bend, don’t break” approach made Sellers work for every touch and effectively demanded that someone else beat them.
Other Notable Husky Performances
Beyond Sellers, Washington’s offense showed flashes but lacked a second consistent scorer.
Making her first career start, 6’3″ freshman sensation Brynn McGaughy continued her impressive rise with 12 points on 83.3% shooting at the rim (5 for 6); plus three rebounds, and two steals — demonstrating impressive poise against a top-10 opponent.
Guard Avery Howell battled on the glass, scoring seven points on 66.7% shooting from three-point range; along with seven rebounds — although both fell short of her recent scoring and rebounding standards.
Despite going scoreless, senior guard Elle Ladine contributed eight rebounds and four assists — both team‑highs; while Hannah Stines and the rest of the UW backcourt struggled to find offensive rhythm against the Buckeyes’ pressure.
1st Quarter – Fireworks,Buckeyes Surge vs. Sellers Logo Shot
The first quarter opened at a frantic pace with Ohio State making their first three field goal attempts by turning UW mistakes into points, using defense to fuel a 6–3 start.
Washington struggled to slow that initial surge, as they committed 5 turnovers in the first period.
Led by star.guard Jaloni Cambridge’s 6-0 scoring burst, Ohio State strung together an 11–0 run to helped the Buckeyes build a 19–8 cushion, shooting a blistering 58.8% (10-for-17) from the field in the quarter.
The Dawgs were suddenly down double digits and desperately seeking stability on both ends of the floor.
Yet Sayvia Sellers refused to let the quarter belong completely to the Buckeyes.
As the game clock ticked under 10 seconds, Sellers took the final possession into her own hands. Dribbling near midcourt, she rose from the Alaska Airlines Arena logo and drilled a deep three as the buzzer sounded.
Sellers’ logo shot cut the Ohio State lead to 22–14 and shocked some life back into the Huskies and their home crowd , signaling that Washington was not going to be rolled over at home.
2nd Quarter – Defensive Chess Match
The second quarter opened with another Cambridge jumper, giving Ohio State a 24–14 cushion.
Then the second quarter quickly turned into a grind match, with both teams battling for control of tempo.
Washington remembered its defensive identity as the Huskies tightened up in the half court, cut down on fouls, and began winning the physical battles on the glass.
For nearly two minutes, neither team scored as defensive adjustments took center stage. UW clogged driving lanes, while the Buckeyes tightened pressure on Washington’s guards.
Eventually, the Huskies broke through as Sellers and the Huskies attacked the paint, earned trips to the line and Washington strung together a 9–0 run, with a Sellers three‑point play cutting the Buckeyes’ lead to just two, 23–25.
As the momentum seemed to shift in favor of the Dawgs, Ohio State steadied itself, attacked UW’s interior defense and closed the half with a 31–27 Buckeye lead.
3rd Quarter – Buckeyes Scoring Surge Separates, Builds Cushion
Coming out of halftime, Ohio State asserted control scoring back-to-back buckets to begin the third quarter, immediately putting UW back in a two-possession hole.
Washington answered, but Ohio State’s offensive efficiency — 52.6% overall (10 of 19), including 37.5% from three-point range in the period — gradually wore on the Huskies’ defense.
The Huskies’ guards battled foul trouble, six turnovers (4 of 6 by UW guards), and a Buckeye pressure defense determined not to let Washington’s shooters get into a third quarter rhythm.
Midway through the quarter, Jaloni Cambridge scored a pair of baskets that rebuilt a double-digit Buckeyes lead to 42–32.
The Dawgs kept battling, but the 23–16 scoring margin in favor of Ohio State reflected their sustained pressure that UW would need to solve to make a comeback.
The Huskies trailed 43-54 heading into the fourth period.
4th Quarter – Sellers’ Late Surge Leads the Dawgs’ Last Push
In the fourth quarter, Washington mounted the response its home court fans had been waiting for.
The Huskies opened the scoring, however, Ohio State responded with an 8–2 Buckeye scoring run that stretched their lead to 62–47 with just over six minutes remaining.
Yet Dawgs superstar Sayvia Sellers elevated her game to another level and refused to let the Huskies fade or concede defeat.
Sellers attacked from all three levels— attacking the lane, pulling up in the mid-range, and stepping into threes with confidence.
For just over three and a half minutes, Sellers almost single‑handedly dragged the Dawgs back into contention.
The Dawgs ignited with a 13–2 scoring surge, highlighted by an 11–2 personal scoring run from Sayvia Sellers that brought the crowd to its feet and pulled UW within 62–55, then down to just four with around two minutes to play.
For a brief moment, the smell of a huge upset brewing was in the Hec Ed air.
Then Jaloni Cambridge quieted the Husky faithful crowd with a cold-blooded mid-range jumper with 1:38 left, and later grabbed a crucial rebound and assisted a Buckeye transition layup that effectively ended Washington’s hopes.
The Huskies went scoreless over the final two minutes, and Ohio State sealed the win with a closing 6–0 burst.
Further stifling their comeback effort, UW committed four turnovers in the final quarter.
Washington was defeated 60-70 by the Buckeyes for their second straight home loss.
