The No. 6 Washington Huskies defeated the No. 11 South Dakota State Jackrabbits 72-54 in the first round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. Avery Howell led all scorers with 30 points and grabbed nine rebounds, achieving a rare feat by recording 30 points without a single turnover—marking the first time a Washington player has done so since Kelsey Plum in 2016. The win secured Washington’s first NCAA Tournament victory since 2017, showcasing strong offensive execution and defensive discipline throughout the game.
Highlights from the matchup captured key moments including fast breaks, timely three-pointers, and dominant interior play. The Huskies maintained control from the opening tip, building a consistent lead and limiting South Dakota State’s scoring opportunities. The performance underscored Washington’s depth and composure under tournament pressure, setting the stage for their next challenge in the bracket.