On Thursday night, the Washington Huskies return to Alaska Airlines Arena, aiming to build on a strong season-opening performance, as the No. 16 ranked Huskies host the Pacific Tigers in a nonconference matchup.
courtesy of UW Athletics
Washington Preview
Washington (1-0) opened the 2026-27 campaign with a convincing 79-63 victory over UC San Diego, fueled by a dominant outing from senior guard Sayvia Sellers. Sellers posted a triple double (25 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists) and immediately looked every bit like the star catalyst of Tina Langley’s offense.
The Huskies, coming off a 22-11 season and NCAA Tournament appearance a year ago, enter Thursday carrying momentum and the confidence that comes with playing on their home floor — they went 13-4 at home last season. (Conversely, the Tigers struggled away from home last season, posting a 1-10 road record.)
Washington’s offense currently averages 79 points per game; while the Huskies defense holds opponents to 63 points per game.
The Huskies offense is scoring only 48% of their attempts at the rim (within 4.5 feet) and must improve that efficiency going forward. However, Washington is shooting 61.1% from farther away in the lane.
Washington is shooting a (barely) passable 30.8% from three-point range — well below the Huskies usual standard for a season average (37% last season).
Key Players to Watch
Junior point guard Sayvia Sellers contributes a team-leading 25 points per game; a third-leading 11 rebounds per game; and a team-leading 10 assists per game.
Sayvia is shooting a scorching 37.5% from three-point range; while making 50% of her two-point attempts; and converting 57.1% (4 for 7) at the rim within 4.5 feet, as well as 66.6% farther away in the lane (2 for 3).
Avery Howell is the Huskies second-leading scorer with 22 points per game; and fourth-leading with 7.0 rebounds per game.
Howell is making a scorching 45.5% from three-point range (5 for 11); and 60% of her two-point attempts (3 for 5).
Brynn McGaughy, a 6’3″ forward,is the team-leading rebounder at 15 rebounds per game; third-leading scorer at 13 points per game; and posts a team-leading 3 steals per game (tied with KK Carroll).
McGaughy shoots 50% on two-point attempts (6 for 12); and is scoring only 33% (2 for 6) at the rim (within 4.5 feet), but 66.6% (4 for 6) from further away in the lane.
Tilda Trygger, a 6’6″ forward, is the Huskies’ second-leading rebounder at 13 rebounds per game; and fourth-leading scorer at 8 points per game (50% shooting from two-point range).
Pacific Tigers Preview
For Pacific, Thursday presents the Tigers with their first Division one contest of the season (following an exhibition game versus NAIA opponent, Simpson); and a measuring stick against one of the Big Ten’s top programs.
Last season, the Tigers finished 11-19 overall and tied for eighth in the West Coast Conference before falling to Washington State in their conference tournament. Head coach Bradley Davis enters his 12th season in Stockton with the challenge of replacing significant offensive production lost to graduation and the transfer portal.
Pacific’s biggest offseason departures came in the form of honorable mention All-WCC selections Anaya Bartholomew and Sydney Ward, who combined to average 24.6 points per game last season. Bartholomew transferred to Georgetown, while Ward exhausted her eligibility. Guard Nyah Lowery also departed after averaging 5.5 points per game, leaving questions about where the Tigers will find consistent scoring.
The Tigers will lean heavily on 5’4″ junior guard Daria Nestorov, who averaged 10.4 points per game and started all 29 contests last season.
Based on her play last season, Nestorov takes most of shots from three-point range making 31.7% (33 for 104). Daria Nestorov takes her second most attempts in the mid-range area but converts only 35.4% of her attempts (34 for 96). Nestorov struggles finishing in the lane, shooting a mediocre 56.4% at the rim (within 4.5 feet); as well as a very poor 36.4% from farther out in the lane.
Sophomore 5’10” guard Sophia Mindermann is another key returner after averaging 8.8 points per game in 2025-26, while Georgetown transfer 6’0″ guard Victoria Rivera is a savvy, high IQ player that could emerge as an immediate contributor after averaging 9.4 points in only nine games last season.
The additions of former Colorado 6’5″ center JoJo Nworie and South Florida transfer 6’2″ forward Yana Karamfilova provide Pacific with length, experience and frontcourt depth that will be severely tested by the Washington’s elite frontcourt players, McGaughy and Trygger.
Key Matchups
One of Thursday’s key storylines will hinge on Pacific’s ability to handle Washington’s defensive pressure, overall athleticism. and frontcourt size and skill.
For Washington, the focus will be on continuing to build chemistry and offensive rhythm around Sellers and an experienced core still meshing with multiple talented transfers. The Huskies showed flashes of their potential in the opener, particularly in transition; and another strong performance would further reinforce expectations surrounding a team looking to move up in the national rankings.
UDUBWBB Prediction
Pacific brings a revamped roster and several intriguing newcomers, but Washington’s talent advantage, defensive discipline, and home-court edge make the Huskies the clear favorite. 95% win by over 20 points.
To secure the victory, the UW Huskies should dominate the Pacific Tigers by:
(1) playing tough and physical on-ball and off-ball pressure defense to disrupt and force 10 or more turnovers by Pacific;
(2) pushing tempo offensively to take advantage of the Huskies superior roster depth to wear down Pacific’s thin roster; and
(3) dominating the boards on both ends with a target of 55 total rebounds (the Dawgs average 54 rebounds); and
(4) match or exceed a target of 45 or more points-in-the-paint by the Huskies against the smaller Pacific Tigers, and
(5) significantly improving Washington’s three-point efficiency to 33.3% or preferably more.
The Washington Huskies should use their roster depth and veteran experience to wear down Pacific and seize control of the game by the third quarter to secure a 20-point victory.
Brynn McGaughy, a 6’3″ forward,
