The Washington women’s basketball team sped through a relatively subdued and stoic Senior Day ceremony before Sunday’s regular-season finale perhaps anxious to get the postgame party that followed their 64-56 victory against Oregon.Selection Sunday is still two weeks away, but UW’s fourth straight win seemingly secured an at-large berth to the NCAA tournament for the Huskies, who last appeared in the Big Dance in 2017.“I would hope so,” coach Tina Langley said. “We’ve played against the nation’s best and competed, and we’ve won some. We’ve been close with some and I’m so proud of this team. I know we can compete against anyone.”Aside from their 51-year-old regional rivalry with a former Pac-12 opponent, Washington understood the added significance of beating Oregon, which won their previous matchup 68-67 last month.During an emotionally draining slugfest spanning nearly two hours, Husky coach Tina Langley barked at officials about a free throw disparity that favored the Ducks. She also cheered and high-fived backup center Brenna McDonald after a couple of blocks in the third quarter.Minutes later, Chloe Briggs’ outburst seemed to encapsulate a UW team that’s been perched precariously on the NCAA tournament bubble for weeks — if not years — and has been waiting for a moment to erupt.
After draining a three-pointer and drawing a foul that sent her sprawling, the soft-spoken sophomore guard smacked the floor with both hands while lying flat on her stomach and screamed with excitement.And at the end, sophomore guard Sayvia Sellers held the ball near the Husky sideline while flashing a grin and a ‘W’ sign with her fingers while the clock expired.The UW players briefly gathered at midcourt before joining many of the crowd of 4,813 at Alaska Airlines Arena on the floor for one final postgame celebration.Washington (18-12) heads to its first Big Ten tournament as the No. 12 seed and will face No. 13 seed Minnesota (20-10) 12:30 p.m. PT Wednesday in the first round at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.The winner advances to face No. 5 Michigan (20-9) on Thursday.“It’s hard to do things that are new, but man what a gift to do things that are new,” Langley said. “You get to learn and grow so much. So, the Big 10 tournament is very new. It’s new to us. Every team has been new, except for three, and it’s been fun. It’s been fun to learn about them and ourselves and to learn from our competition.“We’re excited to go to a new tournament and a new location. … Excited for the opportunity.”
In what was likely her last home game, senior forward Dalayah Daniels delivered a gem while tallying 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists, four steals and four blocks in 31 minutes.“I kind of was just focused on my team tonight and not really about my stats,” Daniels said. “I’m just trying to be a servant leader for my team and whatever that was, like playing post D or getting some assists.“I’m just happy I’m surrounded by a lot of shooters … it opens up the floor inside for me.”Sellers and Elle Ladine each added 15 points while Briggs had 10 on 3-for-5 three-point shooting for Washington, which shot 46.2% from the field and 56.3% (9 of 16) on three-pointers.Down 19-12 after the first quarter, Washington seized momentum with a 9-0 run that began when Sellers sent a defender to the floor with a crossover dribble before burying a three-pointer.On UW’s next offensive trip, Sellers wove through the defense for a short jumper before Daniels knotted the score with an offensive putback off her missed jumper.
Finally, Sellers connected with Devin Coppinger for a pass that led to a fast-break layup and 21-19 lead.Washington outscored Oregon 21-11 in the second quarter to take a 33-30 lead into halftime.“Our defense led to our offense,” Daniels said. “We’re good at it. We pride ourselves on our defense, especially our half court. We’re a really good team in transition, so we know no one wants to guard that. “I was proud of us for just staying gritty and not hanging our heads after the first quarter. I think that’s kind of like what led to our little run there.”The Huskies pushed their advantage to 49-39 late in the third quarter following Briggs’ thrilling four-point play and was up 58-48 with 4:41 left when the Ducks made one last push.Oregon scored seven straight points to cut their deficit to 58-55 before Washington closed the game with six free throws while the Ducks missed their final six field goals.
Deja Kelly had 22 points and Peyton Scott 10 for Oregon (19-10, 10-8), which shot 35.2% from the field and converted 13 of 16 free throws. Washington was 7 for 9 at the line.Former Garfield High star and Ducks freshman guard Katie Fiso finished with two points in her first collegiate game in Seattle.Washington, which is 44th in the NET, is projected to be a No. 10 seed in the NCAA tournament, according to ESPN bracket guru Charlie Creme.“We’re not done,” Daniels said. “I’m excited for what’s to come.”BOX SCORE
Percy Allen: [email protected]. Seattle Times staff reporter Percy Allen covers the Washington Huskies and Seattle Storm.