COLLEGE PARK, Md. (Interstat) — In a game that defied pregame projections and required two overtime periods to decide, the Washington Huskies outlasted the Maryland Terrapins 83-80 in a pivotal Big Ten women’s basketball clash Wednesday night at a raucous Xfinity Center.

Fueled by a career-defining performance from sophomore guard Sayvia Sellers, Washington weathered a torrid Maryland start, multiple deficits and the pressure of a hostile road environment to secure a signature victory. The Huskies improved to 17-4 overall, while the Terrapins fell to 17-5.

The contest was a stark contrast to statistical expectations. Maryland entered as a heavy favorite, projected with a nearly 80% win probability and installed as a 7.5-point favorite. The combined score of 163 points also shattered the pregame over/under line of 141.5, signaling an offensive battle few anticipated.

Maryland seized control early, exploiting Washington’s initial nerves to build a 22-11 lead after the first quarter. The Terrapins’ ball movement and inside presence, led by Yarden Garzon and Saylor Poffenbarger, carved open the Huskies’ defense. Washington, meanwhile, struggled to find any offensive rhythm, shooting poorly and appearing overwhelmed.

The game’s complexion shifted dramatically in the third quarter. Trailing 35-23 at halftime, the Huskies unleashed a 23-point period, spearheaded by the explosive Sellers. The 5-foot-7 guard from Anchorage, Alaska, caught fire, hitting a series of difficult three-pointers and driving baskets to ignite the comeback. Her personal surge galvanized her team, and Washington outscored Maryland 23-11 in the quarter to tie the game heading into the fourth.

From there, the game evolved into a tense, possession-by-possession fight. Neither team led by more than four points in the final quarter of regulation or the first overtime. Maryland’s Addi Mack and Garzon answered every Washington push, while Avery Howell provided crucial secondary scoring for the Huskies alongside Sellers.

The final minute of the first overtime epitomized the struggle. With Washington leading 71-69, Maryland’ Saylor Poffenbarger grabbed an offensive rebound and was fouled with no time remaining. She calmly sank the first free throw to extend the game, but missed the second, sending the teams to a second overtime tied at 71.

In the second extra period, Sellers imposed her will. She opened the scoring with a deep three-pointer and later added a driving layup to keep Washington ahead. The most critical sequence came in the final 30 seconds. With Washington clinging to an 81-80 lead after Maryland’s Kyndal Walker split a pair of free throws, the Huskies worked the clock down. Sellers drove, drew a foul from Oluchi Okananwa, and went to the line with 16 seconds left.

She missed the first attempt but swished the second, pushing the lead to 82-80. Maryland had two final chances. Poffenbarger’s driving layup was off the mark, and after a held ball gave possession back to the Terrapins, Walker’s last-second attempt also failed, securing the Washington victory.

Sayvia Sellers was the undisputed star, playing 47 minutes and finishing with a game-high 38 points, six assists and two blocks. Her scoring output was a career-high and the engine of the Huskies’ offense. Avery Howell added 17 points and nine rebounds in 46 minutes of gritty play. For Maryland, Yarden Garzon led with 24 points, while Addi Mack contributed 20. Saylor Poffenbarger posted a strong all-around line of 16 points, four assists and three blocks.

The game was a statistical oddity. Both teams finished with identical field goal percentages (36.6% for Washington, 38.0% for Maryland) and the same number of offensive rebounds (16). Washington’s advantages came from beyond the arc, making 10 three-pointers to Maryland’s seven, and in creating turnovers, forcing 13 while committing 11.

The victory marks Washington’s fourth straight win and solidifies its position in the upper tier of the Big Ten. For Maryland, it is a second heartbreaking overtime loss in recent weeks, following a defeat to Iowa, and will require a quick turnaround with Oregon visiting Saturday. Washington travels to face Illinois next on Sunday.