University of Washington
21-9,10-8Big Ten
USC
17-13,9-9Big Ten
Huskies Topple Trojans In Big Ten Tournament, 76-64
March 05, 2026 | Women's Basketball
INDIANAPOLIS — The Washington women's basketball team (21-9, 10-8 Big Ten) downed USC (17-13, 9-9 Big Ten), 76-64, in the second round of the 2026 Allstate Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament Thursday. The Huskies advanced to the quarterfinals of a conference tournament for the first time since the 2019-20 season.
Elle Ladine paced Washington with a season-high 25-points on 10-for-13 shooting from the field. Her total was the most by any player in the Big Ten Tournament so far. She wrapped up an effective first half with a buzzer-beating floater to give Washington a 32-20 lead entering the break.
The Huskies were able to race out to the early lead after holding the Trojans to just six points in the first quarter. Washington has now held USC to two of its three lowest point quarters this season.
Four different Dawgs finished in double-figures, with Avery Howell recording 18, Hannah Stines delivering 12, and Brynn McGaughy adding another 10. Yulia Grabovskaia recorded double-digits in the rebounding category, pulling down 10, while Howell almost recorded another double-double with nine rebounds.
Washington had two different players move up in the record book for 3-point shooting — with Elle Ladine knocking down three shots from behind the arc to move into No. 8 all-time in Husky history, while Howell knocked down three more to move into No. 9 for most 3-pointers made in a single season by a UW player.
The Huskies dominated the glass against the Trojans, outrebounding them 44 to 27. USC's rebounding total was its third-lowest of the season, and its 14 defensive rebounds was its lowest. The dominance continued in the paint, with Washington scoring 40 paint points to USC's 14.
Washington closed the game with three consecutive quarters with at least 20 points — the eighth time this season they've finished with 20 or more points in three different quarters.
USC struggled to make a shot against the stifling Washington defense all afternoon — making just 31.0% of its shots from the field and 26.7% from behind the 3-point line. The Huskies, meanwhile, were extremely efficient, making 29 of its 50 shots for a 50.0% shooting percentage. That percentage was bolstered by a 7-for-9 effort from Howell and a 6-for-11 day from Stines.
UW also shared the ball well, with Devin Coppinger and Ladine each notching four assists apiece. Howell added another three to help Washington finish with 16 assists on the afternoon.
The Huskies led for over 34 minutes in Thursday's contest, and advanced in the Big Ten Tournament for a second consecutive season.
Up next, Washington faces (1) UCLA, with tip-off set for 9:00 a.m. PT on Friday, March 5. The game will air on Big Ten Network.
Continue to check GoHuskies.com and follow the team's social media accounts (@UW_WBB) for the most up-to-date information on Washington women's basketball.
