University of Washington
Arizona
Huskies Down Arizona, 63-47
January 11, 2016 | Women's Basketball
Box Score | Highlights | Walton Interview | Plum Interview | Pac-12 Net Recap
SEATTLE – Washington got back in the win column on Sunday afternoon, downing Arizona in Pac-12 play, 63-47. The Huskies improved to 3-2 in the Pac-12 and 12-4 overall, earning a weekend split against the Arizona schools.
Kelsey Plum led all scorers with 26 points, while Talia Walton added 18 and Chantel Osahor ripped down 19 rebounds. The Dawgs shot 40.4 percent (23-57) for the game, but it was the defense that came up big, holding Arizona to just 28.4 percent (19-67).
The Dawgs fell behind in the opening minutes, but used an 11-0 run midway through the first quarter to take control. Walton connected on a pair of 3-pointers in the quarter as the Huskies led 21-15 after one.
Plum took over in the second, getting to the basket at will, while also knocking down a deep stepback 3-pointer. She finished with 18 points in the half as the Dawgs led 38-27. The Huskies shot just 38 percent in the half, but forced 10 Arizona turnovers, while giving it away just twice. The Huskies were also a perfect 9-9 from the foul line, including five makes from Plum.
Washington extended the lead to as many as 18 early in the third quarter after six quick points from Plum. Arizona hung around, however, closing on an 8-0 run to get within nine, 50-41 heading to the fourth.
The Dawgs would pull away in the fourth, holding the Wildcats to just six points in the quarter. Washington opened on a 10-0 run to put things out of reach as Plum and Walton continued to share the scoring load, while Alexus Atchley also knocked down a big 3-pointer and Katie Collier scored on a nice pass from Plum. The Huskies would lead by as many as 20 as they cruised to the big conference win.
The 47 points allowed was the second-best defensive performance of the season for Washington and the best in Pac-12 play. The Dawgs forced 14 turnovers, but did well to contest shots throughout the game. Washington also won the rebounding battle 44-40 as Osahor pulled down 15 of her 19 boards on the defensive end.
The Huskies made just four 3's in the game, but shot 13-14 from the foul line compared to just 4-10 for Arizona. After leading the nation in free throw shooting last season at 78.0 percent, the Dawgs are up to 77.7 percent this season.
Next up, the Dawgs will stay at home for another big weekend in Pac-12 play starting Friday at 6 p.m. when No. 15 UCLA comes to Alaska Airlines Arena. Sunday, the Huskies host USC at 2 p.m. with both games being broadcast on the Pac-12 Networks.
