9 Tactical Keys to UW WBB Huskies 2nd Round Victory over TCU Horned Frogs
1) Control Tempo: Turn Chaos Into Half-Court Chess Match Washington (UW) wins more often when the game slows into precise, spaced half-court possessions. Therefore, the Huskies should control pace, run organized sets, and avoid trading quick shots for quick shots.
However, TCU wants a track meet where the Horned Frogs’ depth and playmaking thrive. If the Dawgs force TCU into late-clock decisions and keep possessions deliberate, they tilt the matchup toward their strengths.
2) Limit TCU Point Guard Olivia Miles’ Paint Touches TCU’s offense ignites when point guard Olivia Miles gets into the paint and collapses the defense. Consequently, UW must meet her early, show help at the free throw line, and take away straight-line drives.
Moreover, Washington should steer Miles into contested pull-ups rather than drive-and-kick reads. When the Huskies limit paint touches, they also shrink the clean three-point looks that power the Horned Frogs.
3) Win the Wing Battle With Howell (and/or Ladine) Matchup Avery Howell gives Washington a tangible matchup edge with her blend of size, efficiency, and rebounding. Next, the Huskies should feature her in actions that force switches, seals, and help rotations.
Meanwhile, TCU’s wings can shoot, but they don’t easily neutralize Howell’s physicality and skill. If Howell and the versatile Elle Ladine win their wing matchups, UW’s offense becomes harder to load up against.
4) Handle TCU’s Disruptive Defense, Be Pressure-Proof TCU’s defense turns disruption into points by contesting everything and punishing forced turnovers. Accordingly, Washington must make clean entries, keep strong spacing, and pass with purpose.
Additionally, ball security has to travel from the first dribble to the final pass. If UW stays disciplined and keeps turnovers below its usual threshold, the Huskies control rhythm instead of reacting to it.
5) Keep TCU’s Suarez Out of Sync, Deny the Pick-and-Pop Comfort Zone Marta Suarez, TCU’s 6’3″ forward, bends defenses because she can score inside and stretch out to three. Therefore, Washington’s frontcourt must communicate early in screening actions and close out under control.
Also, the Dawgs should make Suarez finish through contact rather than letting her catch and shoot in rhythm. If UW forces tough post touches and contested jumpers, TCU loses its balance.
6) Win Rebounding Battle, Reduce TCU Runouts Rebounding fuels TCU’s transition, especially when defensive boards turn into immediate pushes. As a result, the Huskies must gang rebound, hit the glass first, and secure the ball cleanly.
Furthermore, UW should treat every long shot as a long rebound and sprint back the moment possession changes. Howell’s presence on the glass matters because one extra stop can prevent a back-breaking runout three.
7) Win Three-Point Efficiency Math Both teams lean on the three, so early makes can reshape defensive priorities. Consequently, Washington should hunt quality catch-and-shoot looks—especially for Howell and Sellers—without rushing.
On the other side, TCU shooters can swing the game in a minute if they see open air. Therefore, the Huskies must close out with urgency and stay connected to avoid gifting momentum threes.
8) UW’sBench Sparks Defensive and Offensive Stability UW’s bench can supply more scoring depth, which becomes vital when fouls or fatigue hit. Next, Washington should use its reserves to keep defensive intensity high and maintain spacing.
At the same time, the second unit must value the ball and avoid empty possessions that feed TCU’s runs. If the Huskies’ bench stays steady, the Dawgs protect their floor and their lead chances.
9) UW’s Late Clock/Late Game Execution, Always Be Closing Late possessions often decide tournament games, and both teams have closers who can create. Therefore, UW must prioritize shot quality, run clock with purpose, and get to clean looks before the defense loads.
Finally, Washington needs poise: smart passes, strong rebounds, and composed free throws. If the Huskies execute in the half court while limiting Miles’ late clock creation lanes, UW can finish the job against TCU.
