Huskies Season Ends in Narrow NCAA Tournament Loss
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Washington women’s basketball team, known for their three-point shooting, struggled to find their rhythm as they faced off against Columbia in the NCAA tournament. Despite some late-game heroics from Elle Ladine, who hit two challenging three-pointers in the final moments, the No. 11 seed Huskies fell short in a 63-60 defeat, marking the end of their season.
With just 12 seconds left and the team trailing by three, UW coach Tina Langley called for a timeout to strategize a play for Ladine. Coming off a screen, she had a promising look but her contested shot missed the mark, bouncing off the back of the rim. Shortly after, Ladine’s desperate quarter-court shot failed to connect as time expired.
“It’s difficult to face the team after a loss like this; I feel it’s my responsibility,” Langley stated during the postgame press conference, expressing pride in her players.
Throughout the season, Langley emphasized the importance of ‘competitive stamina’, pushing the squad to maintain their intensity until the end. Yet, in the second half, Washington was outscored 42-26, appearing as though they were under the immense pressure of their first NCAA tournament game in eight years.
Struggling to execute their perimeter offense, Washington managed only three successful three-pointers out of 13 attempts, despite their 37.3% average coming into the game. Additionally, the Huskies faced challenges converting free throws, finishing three out of ten, and committed 15 turnovers that contributed to 20 points for Columbia.
In her final collegiate game, fifth-year forward Dalayah Daniels excelled with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks. The former Garfield High player showed determination after transferring back to her home state from California. “You aim to make an impact, and she certainly did that,” remarked Langley about Daniels’ influence on the team.
Washington led by 21-8 in the first quarter and maintained a 34-21 halftime advantage, but faltered as Columbia found their rhythm and pulled ahead. Sellers, who ended the game with 21 points, noted the importance of their early ball movement but lamented their inability to sustain that momentum after halftime.
Columbia, now 24-6, progresses to face No. 6 seed West Virginia. For Washington, the future looks promising as they plan to return key players and welcome a nationally acclaimed recruiting class, including McDonald’s All-American forward Brynn McGaughy. “This marks a step forward for our program,” Daniels said. “I’m immensely proud of our team and excited for what lies ahead.”
