Fort Worth, Texas — The sixth-seeded Washington Huskies pulled off an impressive 72-54 win against No. 11 seed South Dakota State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. This victory marked Washington’s first win in March Madness since the 2016-17 season.
Avery Howell stole the show, scoring 30 points and grabbing nine rebounds. She also made a career-high seven 3-pointers, tying her for third-most in a single March Madness game. This performance made her the first Husky since Kelsey Plum to score at least 30 points in an NCAA game.
In the third quarter, Howell was unstoppable, landing all three of her shots from beyond the arc. Her performance lifted the team when it mattered most. Brynn McGaughy added to the scoring with 14 points, her contributions vital as she and Howell have been key players in recent games.
The Huskies took charge in the second quarter, outscoring the Jackrabbits 23-9, pushing their lead to double digits at halftime. Sayvia Sellers also stepped up with a career-high 10 assists, along with five rebounds, three steals, and a block, showcasing her all-around skills.
Washington’s teamwork was evident, with 21 out of 27 baskets being assisted. Besides Sellers, Hannah Stines and Elle Ladine each contributed four assists. The scoring came from many angles, with seven players hitting at least four points, adding depth to the attack.
Defensively, Washington was aggressive, forcing 18 turnovers, the fourth-most this season for South Dakota State. They secured 13 steals, with Sellers and Yulia Grabovskaia leading with three each.
In the rebounding battle, Washington claimed 40 boards compared to South Dakota State’s 25, including 14 offensive rebounds that turned into 14 second-chance points.
As they advance, Washington will face No. 3 seed TCU next. This journey through March Madness continues to build excitement, particularly given the team’s recent performance. For more updates, fans can check GoHuskies.com or follow the team’s social media accounts.
In the bigger picture, the Huskies’ performance reflects a growing trend in women’s sports, where increased visibility and talent are shining through. With 63% of viewer interest shifting toward women’s collegiate sports as noted in recent surveys, the stage is set for more incredible moments in the NCAA tournament.
For further insights into the rise of women’s basketball, check out the NCAA’s official report on women’s sports engagement.
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