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When: Sunday 1/28/17, 5:00 PST
TV: Pac-12 Networks
The Lady Dawgs look to continue their run towards a Pac-12 title today in what should be a terrific top 10 matchup. The Huskies are on a six-game winning streak most recently capped off by an absolute demolition of Cal. In that game, Natalie Romo hit eight 3-pointers in the first half and ten overall to lead the way with 32 points. Currently, the Huskies are in a three-way tie with Oregon State and Stanford for first place in the Pac-12. UW only plays each of those schools once and Oregon State gave them their lone loss in conference play down in Corvallis.
Kelsey Plum gets much of the spotlight for this team and it’s well deserved. I wrote here about the amazing seasons that she and Markelle Fultz are having. Plum is lapping the women’s basketball field in points per game. She is averaging 31 per game and second place is averaging just 24.8. If she keeps up that rate and the Huskies make a sizable run through the NCAA tournament, she will end up the all-time leading scorer in NCAA women’s history.
Similarly, Chantel Osahor is leading the nation in rebounding although her advantage is somewhat less substantial than Kelsey’s in scoring. Osahor is putting up 14.7 boards per game when second place is averaging 12.5. She’s also possibly the most entertaining player in the country with her unique flat-footed jump shot and elite passing from the low post.
The Dawgs are projected as a #2 seed right now and fifth overall in ESPN’s most recent bracketology edition. A win here would go a long way toward potentially securing a #1 seed come tourney time. That is even more crucial in women’s basketball than men’s, as the dominance of a program like Connecticut means that it is paramount to guarantee one doesn’t face them until the Final 4. With this game against Stanford, a home game against #16 ASU, and a road battle at #13 UCLA still remaining, an undefeated run through the Pac-12 (or even potentially one loss) could be enough to get them there. Go Dawgs!