Huskies Eye Momentum as Penn State Comes to Town
SEATTLE - With one win already in the books to start their homestand, Washington looks to keep the good times rolling as Penn State rolls into Alaska Airlines Arena on Wednesday night. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. PT, with coverage on B1G+ and 950 KJR-AM.
The Huskies are coming off a statement win over Minnesota, where they held the Golden Gophers to just 54 points - their lowest offensive output of the season. Washington was dominant inside, putting up 44 points in the paint against a Minnesota team that typically allows about half that. That kind of physicality and execution in the interior doesn’t just happen - it’s a sign this team is starting to click in all the right ways.
Sayvia Sellers led the charge with 23 points and four assists, her fifth game this season with at least 20 and three - a stat line that’s quickly becoming her signature. Hannah Stines added 11 points and seven rebounds, continuing to be a steady two-way presence in the backcourt.
Now, Washington turns its attention to a Penn State squad still searching for its first Big Ten win. The Nittany Lions dropped a close one to Rutgers, 76-72, and come into Seattle with a 7-12 record. This will be just their second-ever trip to Montlake - the last one came all the way back in 1996.
The Huskies have had the upper hand at home against Big Ten opponents lately, winning five of their last six matchups in Seattle. They also took the last meeting against Penn State, powered by a career-high 28 points from Stines in an 82-71 win.
What to Watch
Washington is aiming for its second straight win over the Nittany Lions and another strong showing against a Big Ten opponent. The Huskies are currently ranked No. 19 in the country in rebound margin (+9.5), a testament to their physicality and commitment to controlling the glass. They’re also top-25 nationally in 3-point shooting (36.2%) and rank 37th in blocks per game (4.7), showing a balanced mix of offensive efficiency and rim protection.
Individually, Sellers continues to climb the national leaderboards, sitting at No. 37 in total field goals made. Avery Howell has been lights out from deep, shooting 41.0% from beyond the arc - good for 40th in the country.
Milestone Tracker
There are a few individual achievements worth keeping an eye on:
- Hannah Stines is just 48 points away from reaching the 1,000-point mark for her career.
- Avery Howell needs five more rebounds to hit 250 and just nine points to reach 500.
- Elle Ladine is closing in on 500 career rebounds, sitting just 26 boards shy.
Built to Last
One of the most impressive things about this Huskies team? Continuity.
All four members of Coach Tina Langley’s first recruiting class - Ladine, Stines, Teagan Brown, and Shayla Gillmer - are now seniors, and they’ve stuck together through it all. In an era defined by the transfer portal, Washington didn’t lose a single player from last year’s roster.
That kind of program stability is rare, and it’s paying dividends on the court.
The Huskies are also the only team in the country returning a 40-point scorer (Ladine), a 30-point scorer (Sellers), and a 20-point scorer (Stines). That offensive firepower, combined with experience and chemistry, makes this group a tough out for anyone.
Last Season’s Rise
Washington’s 2024-25 campaign was a breakthrough. The Huskies snapped a seven-year NCAA Tournament drought and made an immediate splash in their first Big Ten season. They led the conference in field goal percentage (49.5%), 3-point percentage (40.1%), and free throw percentage (83.6%) during league play - a trifecta that speaks volumes about their offensive identity.
Ladine earned All-Big Ten Second Team honors, while Sellers and Dalayah Daniels picked up Honorable Mentions. That foundation set the tone for what’s shaping up to be an even stronger follow-up season.
Recognized and Respected
The accolades haven’t stopped rolling in. Heading into this season:
- Elle Ladine was named to the media’s Preseason All-Big Ten Team.
- Sayvia Sellers earned a spot on the coaches’ version of the same list.
- Sellers is also on the USBWA’s Ann Meyers Drysdale Award watch list, which honors the nation’s top shooting guard.
- Freshman Brynn McGaughy landed on the Tamika Catchings Award watch list.
- Ladine was recognized for her impact off the court as part of the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team.
Weekly Standouts
- Sellers was named both Big Ten and USBWA Player of the Week after dropping 30 against Utah in November.
- Howell earned her own Player of the Week nod after a monster 22-point, 16-rebound performance against then-No. 6 Michigan on New Year’s Day.
Final Word
Washington is a team on the rise - and they’re doing it the right way: with chemistry, toughness, and a whole lot of talent. Wednesday’s matchup against Penn State is more than just another non-conference game. It’s a chance to build momentum, protect home court, and show once again that this Huskies squad is ready to make noise in the Big Ten and beyond.