Preview: Penn State Lady Lions at Washington Huskies

SEATTLE (Interstat) — The surging Washington Huskies host the struggling Penn State Lady Lions in a nonconference women’s basketball matchup Wednesday night at Hec Edmundson Pavilion.

Washington (14-4) enters on a strong run, having won five of its last six games, including a decisive 67-54 victory over Minnesota on Sunday. The Huskies’ defense has been a cornerstone, holding opponents to an average of 59.2 points during that stretch.

Penn State (7-12) seeks to halt a seven-game losing streak. The Lady Lions fell 76-72 to Rutgers on Sunday despite a standout performance from guard Kiyomi McMiller, who recorded 27 points and 11 rebounds.

The game features a compelling backcourt duel between two of the Big Ten’s top guards. McMiller has been a bright spot for Penn State, averaging 21.3 points, 5.6 assists and 4.4 rebounds over her last seven contests. She scored 36 points in a narrow loss to Wisconsin on Jan. 4.

She will be matched against Washington’s dynamic sophomore Sayvia Sellers, who is averaging 16.8 points per game. Sellers is coming off a 23-point effort against Minnesota and has scored in double figures in 13 consecutive games.

The Huskies have excelled at home this season, boasting a 9-1 record in Seattle. Penn State is 1-7 in true road games.

For Penn State, containing Sellers and improving defensive consistency will be critical. The Lady Lions have allowed 90.1 points per game during their seven-game skid. Washington will look to exploit its defensive advantages and control the tempo behind Sellers and a balanced scoring attack.

This is the first meeting between the programs since 2019. Following this game, Penn State continues its West Coast trip at Oregon on Saturday. Washington hits the road for a game at Rutgers on Sunday.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST Wednesday.