Washington Drops Close Game To USC 73-66

Sunday, January 16

Los Angeles, CA

12:00 PM

University of Washington

5-5,0-2Pac-12

USC

9-5,2-2Pac-12

Washington

Southern California

January 16, 2022 | Women's Basketball

Box Score

LOS ANGELES, Calif.— The Washington women's basketball team lost 73-66 to USC in a hard-fought game. The Huskies (5-5, 0-2) showed unselfish play and hustle on both sides of the ball. It came down to the fourth quarter when the Trojans (9-5, 2-2) were able to sneak out the win.

The Huskies started out strong. With patience on offense, the Dawgs were able to find good looks at the basket. The pick-and-roll from Haley Van Dyke to Nancy Mulkey was working well as they got off to a 7-0 start. Washington had a 10-point lead over the Trojans at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Huskies were able to continue their success by running their fast-paced motion offense that kept USC on their toes. Late in the second quarter, Van Dyke hit a big three, followed by a charge taken by Darcy Rees, giving the Dawgs strong momentum going into the break. They led 39-29.

To start the second half, Missy Peterson was able to connect on a long three and on the following play, lock-down defense from Trinity Oliver, forced a turnover. USC was able to hang with Washington, cutting their lead to two going into the final quarter of play.

The Trojans took the lead for the first time in the contest with 9:18 left in the game. With 13 offensive rebounds, the Huskies were crashing the boards well. Their second and third chance opportunities paired with playing together, as a team, kept them in it.

With a minute left in the game, USC had a five-point lead. They were able to extend the lead to seven with 20 seconds to go and close out the win.

Mulkey had a big game, putting up 26 points. Peterson contributed 10. Van Dyke and Oliver both had seven.

Next, the Dawgs head back home where they will host Oregon on Friday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. PST in Alaska Airlines Arena.