University of Washington
USC
Big Second Half Paces UW Past #25 USC, 69-60
January 18, 2016 | Women's Basketball
Box Score | Pac-12 Networks Recap | Highlights | Osahor Interview
SEATTLE – Washington made it a weekend sweep over a pair of ranked Los Angeles schools, downing No. 25 USC, 69-60. The Huskies struggled mightily in the first half, but were nearly flawless after the break, improving to 14-4 and 5-2 in Pac-12 play.
The win moves the Huskies into third place in the Pac-12 and gives the Dawgs a great chance to move into the AP Top-25 for the first time since March 3, 2003.
Washington got 32 points from Kelsey Plum, who scored 21 in the second half, notching the 18th 30-point game of her sensational career. She also moved past Husky Hall of Famer Giuliana Mendiola into third place on the Dawgs all-time scoring list, now with 1,950 career points.
Also coming up big was Chantel Osahor who earned her sixth double-double of the season, scoring 14 point and pulling down 11 rebounds, adding an assist, two blocks and two steals.
The Huskies struggled in the first half, shooting just 36 percent (9-25) and turning it over 13 times. Meanwhile, USC scored inside led by 19 points at the break from Temi Fagbenle and took a 34-24 lead to the half. Plum led the Huskies with 11 points in the half, but it was not a memorable 20 minutes for UW.
Head coach Mike Neigbors got into his team at half and it worked as the Dawgs were dominant after the break. Washington stormed to the lead in the third quarter, outscoring the Trojans 24-7 in the period. The Dawgs started on a 7-0 run as after layups from Osahor and Plum, Alexus Atchley knocked down a big 3-pointer to get the Huskies right back in it.
Atchley was big again, entering the starting role this weekend with the loss of Brianna Ruiz to injury. She finished with seven points, six rebounds and four assists, while being a disruptive force at the top of the Dawgs 2-3 zone.
After taking the lead in the third quarter, the Dawgs extended down the stretch as Plum had it going, finishing 10-19 from the floor and 10-12 from the foul line. Osahor and Talia Walton added big 3-pointers and the Huskies led by as many as 16.
Washington finished by shooting 48.9 percent (23-47), but shot 63.6 percent (14-22) in the second half. They also won the battle on the glass, 34-26, as Katie Collier added seven rebounds to go with the 11 from Osahor. After turning it over 13 times in the first half, UW committed just three turnovers the rest of the way.
The Dawgs will remain at home for a third-straight weekend as the welcome Washington State to Alaska Airlines Arena. The in-state rivals will battle at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 2 p.m.
