In an electrifying showdown, the University of Washington's women's basketball team, ranked 25th nationally, pulled off a stunning double-overtime victory against the 16th-ranked Maryland Terrapins. This hard-fought contest saw UW overcome a substantial halftime deficit, displaying incredible resilience and strategic prowess to ultimately triumph 83-80. The win not only marked a significant upset but also extended UW's impressive winning streak to five games, highlighting their growing momentum and competitive spirit in the conference.
The game's initial phase proved challenging for the Huskies, who struggled offensively in the first quarter, managing only 11 points and appearing disjointed. This offensive slump continued into the second quarter, allowing Maryland to build and maintain a comfortable lead of over ten points. Despite a brief rally that narrowed the gap to five, UW couldn't sustain their momentum, heading into halftime trailing 35-23. Their shooting percentages were remarkably low at this point—27% from the field and a mere 9% from beyond the arc—far below their typical performance. This deficit was particularly daunting given Maryland's formidable record of 91-10 under coach Brenda Frese when leading at halftime, suggesting a monumental task ahead for UW.
However, the second half witnessed a dramatic shift in momentum. UW emerged with renewed vigor, tightening their defense and executing a more cohesive and aggressive offensive strategy. This intensified effort sparked a crucial 10-0 run, fueled by two three-pointers from Sayvia Sellers and another from Avery Howell, bringing the game to a tie. Sellers then converted a free throw after being fouled, giving UW their first lead of the game. Maryland quickly responded, leveling the score by the end of the third quarter, setting the stage for a tense final period.
The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging leads. Maryland would edge ahead by a few points, only for UW to equalize, a pattern that repeated multiple times. With just over two minutes remaining, Maryland once again tied the game. A pivotal sequence saw Howell drive strongly to the basket but get blocked, though UW regained possession, leading to Sellers scoring with a decisive drive. Maryland countered immediately. A controversial foul call against Hannah Stines with 90 seconds left, followed by another against UW, sent Maryland to the free-throw line, where they made both shots to take a two-point lead.
In the frantic closing moments, UW called a timeout. A designed play for freshman Brynn McGaughy resulted in a missed layup, but a scramble for the ball led to Elle Ladine, who had been 2-for-5 from three-point range, sinking a critical three-pointer with 12 seconds left to tie the game, forcing overtime. The first overtime continued the intense seesaw battle. With four seconds left, Sellers, benefiting from a well-executed lob pass from Ladine on an inbounds play, scored to put UW up by one. A late foul call against Howell, reviewed and confirmed to have occurred with 0.3 seconds remaining, sent Maryland to the line, where they made both free throws to push the game into a second overtime.
The second overtime mirrored the first in intensity but was marked by growing fatigue, leading to missed shots, unnecessary fouls, and careless passes. Howell fouled out having contributed 17 points and 11 rebounds. Sellers had an outstanding performance, finishing with 38 points and 6 assists, alongside a crucial block, despite 5 turnovers. Ladine missed two critical free throws. Maryland had several opportunities to win in the final seconds but failed to convert, as the "basketball gods" seemingly favored UW, who ultimately clinched the 83-80 victory. This win extended UW's impressive five-game winning streak and improved their conference standing, setting them up for their next challenge against Illinois.