The Washington women’s basketball team delivered a statement victory in Bloomington on Wednesday night, overwhelming Indiana 82-63 at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. With this triumph, the Huskies improved to 13-4 overall and 3-3 in the Big Ten, while the Hoosiers’ woes deepened, falling to 11-8 and remaining winless in conference play at 0-7. It was a night where Washington’s offense fired on all cylinders and Indiana’s frontcourt was left searching for answers.
Washington’s shooting was nothing short of spectacular. The Huskies knocked down 64.3 percent of their shots from the field, the program’s best mark since December 13, 2020. From beyond the arc, they were even more impressive, converting 54.5 percent—by far their top three-point performance of the season. The Huskies’ 82 points matched the most Indiana has allowed against a Big Ten opponent this year, and much of that damage came right at the rim.
“We were going over ball screens, because they’re such terrific shooters from outside,” Indiana head coach Teri Moren said after the game. “Anytime you run into a ball screen, which we did, I felt, a lot tonight, you’re putting a lot of pressure on your five.”
The Huskies’ game plan was clear and ruthlessly effective. They poured in 54 points in the paint, with a staggering 44 coming from layups. Senior center Yulia Grabovskaia and freshman forward Brynn McGaughy were a force down low, exploiting Indiana’s defensive lapses and capitalizing on crisp ball movement. Grabovskaia finished with 16 points on 8-for-11 shooting, while McGaughy added 13 points, going 6-for-9 from the field. Washington’s dominance inside was complemented by their ability to get out in transition, racking up 23 fastbreak points off 15 Indiana turnovers.
Four Huskies scored in double digits, highlighting the team’s balanced attack. Elle Ladine led all scorers with 19 points, also grabbing six rebounds and handing out four assists on a highly efficient 8-for-11 shooting night. It was Ladine’s sixth game this season with at least 10 points, further cementing her role as a key offensive contributor. Yulia Grabovskaia’s 16 points and five rebounds anchored the paint, while McGaughy’s 13 points and four rebounds showcased her emerging presence as a freshman. Sayvia Sellers chipped in 11 points, four rebounds, and four assists, continuing her steady playmaking. Sellers also reached a career milestone early, recording her 250th career assist on Washington’s second bucket of the game.
“Their effort has to be better,” Moren continued in her postgame remarks. “’Z’ has to get her rear end in shape. I thought ‘Z’ did a lot of walking around tonight, and she’s such a big part of what we do.”
Indiana’s frontcourt, which had shown promise in recent games, struggled mightily against Washington’s size and skill. Sophomore forward Zania Socka-Nguemen, who had notched two straight double-doubles coming into the contest, was held to just four points in 20 minutes—a season low. Junior Edessa Noyan, who had been providing a spark off the bench, managed only two points and two rebounds. Even junior forward Jade Ondineme saw the floor for five minutes, collecting a single rebound but otherwise unable to impact the stat sheet. Coach Moren made it clear: “I was mad at Edessa. She wasn’t boxing out. So, I was giving somebody else an opportunity.”
The Huskies set the tone early, jumping out to a 24-13 lead in the first quarter by holding Indiana to just three made baskets. Ladine and Avery Howell both drained three-pointers, and Washington’s ball movement was sharp, resulting in seven assists in the opening frame. The defensive intensity was palpable as the Huskies forced five turnovers and converted them into eight points.
At halftime, Washington led 41-31. Hannah Stines led the Huskies with six points in the second quarter, and the team’s defense continued to keep the Hoosiers at bay. The third quarter was Washington’s most efficient stretch, as they shot a blistering 81.8 percent from the field and outscored Indiana 20-16. Grabovskaia was perfect in the period, scoring eight points on 4-for-4 shooting, while the team as a whole dished out six assists and grabbed seven rebounds.
Indiana’s struggles were evident, particularly in the third quarter, where a frustrated fan reportedly shouted, “This is the worst basketball team I’ve ever seen,” as the Hoosiers fell behind 59-45. The Hoosiers’ lack of consistent effort has been a running theme in Big Ten play, and this latest defeat only amplified those concerns. Socka-Nguemen, still working her way back from a leg injury that sidelined her for eight games, appeared sluggish at times. “If 0-8 doesn’t spark your rear end to be motivated, then I don’t know what is,” Moren said, referencing the team’s conference record. “If it doesn’t ignite something in you, then you probably shouldn’t be playing this game.”
Washington closed out the game with a 21-point fourth quarter, maintaining their defensive intensity and continuing to push the pace. McGaughy scored seven of her points in the final period, including the second three-pointer of her young career. The Huskies finished with 20 assists, outrebounded Indiana 32-20, and collected five blocks and six steals—a testament to their all-around performance.
For Indiana, the loss extends a troubling trend. With an 0-7 Big Ten record, the Hoosiers now find themselves in the company of Penn State and Rutgers as the only winless teams in conference play. The pressure is mounting as Indiana looks ahead to a challenging road matchup against Ohio State on January 22 in Columbus. With 11 games remaining in the Big Ten slate, the time for improvement is now if the Hoosiers hope to salvage their season.
Washington, meanwhile, returns home riding a wave of momentum. The Huskies will face Minnesota on Sunday, January 18, at 3:00 p.m., aiming to build on their best shooting night in over five years. Fans can keep up with all the latest by following the team’s official channels and social media.
On a night when Washington’s offense was nearly unstoppable and Indiana’s frontcourt faltered, the Huskies proved they’re a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten. As the season rolls on, both teams will be looking for answers—one to sustain its hot hand, the other to find a much-needed spark.
