No. 21 Washington Stumbles in Defensive Battle as No. 16 USC Claims Big Ten Opener

The No. 21 Washington Huskies saw their undefeated start to the 2025-26 season come to a screeching halt on Sunday evening. In a low-scoring, defensive grind at the Galen Center, the No. 16 USC Trojans rallied late to secure a 59-50 victory in the Big Ten conference opener for both programs.

Despite holding the potent Trojan offense to a season-low point total, the Huskies could not overcome their own shooting woes. The loss drops Washington to 8-1 on the season, while USC improves to 7-2, successfully defending their home court in front of a spirited crowd of 6,137.

A Game of Defensive Attrition

Head coach Tina Langley’s squad opened the game with suffocating defensive pressure. Washington held the Trojans scoreless for the first seven minutes, racing out to an early 8-0 lead.

However, the offensive momentum proved fleeting. The first quarter ended with both teams struggling to find the bottom of the net; USC shot just 14.3% (2-for-14), while Washington wasn’t much better at 15.8% (3-for-19).

The game remained a deadlock at halftime, tied at 22-22, setting the stage for a pivotal second half.

The Turning Point

The momentum shifted decisively in the third quarter. USC executed a 9-0 run that broke the stalemate, establishing a 34-27 advantage that forced Washington to play catch-up for the remainder of the contest.

The Huskies, utilizing a small-ball five-guard lineup, managed to claw back within one point at 41-40 early in the final period. Sophomore guard Avery Howell provided a spark, hitting clutch three-pointers and free throws to keep the game within reach.

With just 1:24 remaining on the clock, Howell sank two free throws to narrow the deficit to 53-50. However, the comeback bid evaporated in the final minute. Washington missed their final six field goal attempts, while USC closed the door with six unanswered points.

Key Player Performances

Washington Huskies (8-1, 0-1 Big Ten)

• Sayvia Sellers: The junior guard carried the offensive load, scoring a team-high 20 points, though she required 23 shots to get there (7-of-23).

• Avery Howell: The sophomore was a standout performer, recording her first career double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds.

• Elle Ladine: In her second start back from a lower-body injury, the senior struggled significantly, finishing scoreless on 0-for-10 shooting. This marked only the second scoreless outing of her career since her freshman season.

USC Trojans (7-2, 1-0 Big Ten)

• Jazzy Davidson: The freshman sensation proved to be the difference-maker, leading all scorers with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists.

• Kennedy Smith: The sophomore guard provided crucial support with 13 points.

Added Context: The Shooting Slump

The primary culprit for Washington’s defeat was a severe lack of offensive efficiency. The team shot a season-low 26.9% from the field. Aside from Sellers and Howell, the rest of the roster was virtually non-existent on the scoreboard, with no other player contributing more than four points.

This loss highlights a recurring trend for Coach Langley against top-tier competition. Since taking the helm in Montlake in 2021, Langley holds a 5-24 record against ranked opponents. The Huskies have now lost eight consecutive games against ranked teams, a streak they will need to break to compete in the upper echelon of the Big Ten.

Background: New Conference, Old Rivals

This matchup carried historical weight as the first Big Ten conference game for both schools. Washington and USC, longtime rivals in the now-dissolved Pac-12, migrated to the Big Ten as part of the massive collegiate sports realignment that took full effect this season.

The move to the Big Ten has brought increased travel and a distinct style of physical play. Sunday’s defensive struggle indicates that both West Coast programs are adapting their styles to fit the rugged nature of their new conference home.

What Happens Next

Washington must regroup quickly as they face a challenging schedule ahead.

• Dec. 13: The Huskies return to Seattle to host Green Bay in a non-conference tune-up.

• Dec. 19: They travel back to California to face powerhouse Stanford.

• Dec. 21: The road trip concludes with a matchup against Pacific.

For USC, the win provides a critical confidence boost as they look to establish themselves as contenders in the crowded Big Ten standings.