The Washington Huskies’ 85-61 loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes was a significant setback, marking their most lopsided defeat of the season. Several key takeaways and implications emerge from this game:
Defensive Breakdown
The Huskies struggled defensively, allowing Iowa to shoot an astounding 71.7% from the field, including 9-of-13 from three-point range. This level of efficiency suggests fundamental lapses in defensive coverage and intensity.
In recent games, Washington’s defense has faltered, surrendering 80 or more points in three of their last four outings. This is a worrying trend for a team that prided itself on holding opponents to an average of 59.5 points per game earlier in the season.
Slow Start
The game got away from Washington early, as Iowa connected on its first eight three-point attempts, building a 28-point lead by the second quarter. Freshman guard Teagan Mallegni’s dominant performance, including a dagger three-pointer, epitomized Iowa’s momentum.
Washington’s inability to recover from this early deficit reflects a lack of adjustments and resilience when faced with an aggressive and efficient opponent.
Offensive Struggles
Elle Ladine was the lone bright spot offensively, scoring 24 points. However, the rest of the team struggled mightily, with 38.3% shooting from the field and little offensive contribution outside of Ladine.
Sayvia Sellers and Dalayah Daniels, two key contributors, had quiet nights. Sellers, who had been averaging 23 points over her last five games, only managed 13 points, all in garbage time during the fourth quarter.
Context and Concerns
The loss is particularly disappointing given Washington’s strong performance just days earlier, when they dominated Purdue 87-58 in a game celebrating Kelsey Plum. The stark contrast highlights the team’s inconsistency, especially against quality opponents.
Iowa, despite entering the game on a five-game losing streak, looked rejuvenated. The Huskies missed an opportunity to capitalize on Iowa’s fatigue from a grueling road trip.
Implications for the Huskies
Washington’s 13-7 record (4-4 Pac-12) and NET ranking of 46 suggest their NCAA Tournament hopes are still alive, but this loss puts pressure on the team to secure quality wins in the coming weeks.
Defensive adjustments are critical. The team’s recent inability to contain opponents like Michigan, Michigan State, and now Iowa raises questions about their postseason viability.
Moving Forward
Head coach Tina Langley emphasized the need to address defensive lapses, but the Huskies must also rediscover their offensive balance. The upcoming home game against Indiana will be a crucial test to determine if this defeat is an outlier or a sign of a broader decline. The Huskies must rebound quickly to solidify their tournament résumé and regain momentum.
