Huskies Hunt Down Jackrabbits in Tourney Thriller

Huskies Hunt Down Jackrabbits in Tourney Thriller

Fort Worth, Texas – The Washington Huskies have punched their ticket to the next round of the NCAA Tournament, holding off a tough South Dakota State squad in a hard-fought 64-59 victory. The No. 11 seed Jackrabbits, looking to repeat last year’s upset magic, battled valiantly, but the Huskies’ defense and a stellar performance from their key players proved too much to overcome.

Meyer Leads the Charge for Washington

It was a game defined by gritty play and clutch moments, with Washington’s own star, Brooklyn Meyer, emerging as the undeniable force. Meyer was a handful for the Jackrabbits all game, showcasing an aggressive style that saw her attack the basket relentlessly. She finished with a game-high 25 points, adding seven rebounds and consistently finding ways to score even when double-teamed.

“She touches it and she scores,” one commentator noted, highlighting Meyer’s offensive prowess. Her ability to bully her way through defenders and finish, often with a left hand, was a constant threat. Meyer’s impact wasn’t just in scoring; her defensive effort and intensity seemed to energize the entire Huskies team, creating a tangible shift in momentum.

South Dakota State’s Three-Point Barrage

The Jackrabbits, known for their sharp shooting, certainly showed why. Hadley Tulle, a true freshman, drained a corner three early on, signaling their intent. Emily Fox, lauded as one of the nation’s best shooters, was a consistent threat from beyond the arc, knocking down multiple triples throughout the game. Her clean stroke and ability to move without the ball made her a dangerous matchup for Washington’s defense.

“You got to pull the trigger if you’re South Dakota State,” a commentator urged, emphasizing the need for the Jackrabbits to keep firing their signature threes. Despite their shooting ability, South Dakota State struggled at times to find consistent offensive rhythm, often needing second-chance points to keep pace.

Defense Dictates Play

From the outset, Washington made it clear that defense would travel with them. The Huskies focused on limiting fouls, a strategy that paid dividends. They came up with crucial blocks and defensive rebounds, often turning defensive stops into fast-break opportunities.

“Defense travels. That’s all Washington cares about,” was the stark assessment from the broadcast booth. Players like Graham Skaya were instrumental, not only getting deflections but also running the floor hard to earn easy baskets on the other end. This defensive intensity helped them weather South Dakota State’s offensive surges.

Halftime Adjustments Pay Off

After a back-and-forth first half, where both teams traded baskets and defensive stops, Washington came out with a renewed focus. Coach Aaron Johnston of South Dakota State was seen looking frustrated at times, recognizing areas his team needed to clean up. The Huskies, conversely, seemed to benefit from halftime adjustments.

“The difference… is the way that they are feeding her [Meyer],” a commentator observed. “They’re getting her the ball in better areas to score. So, great adjustment at halftime from Aaron Johnston to settle his team and to get them refocused into where they need to score.” This strategic shift allowed Meyer to continue her dominant scoring and helped Washington maintain control.

A Historic Win for Coach Langley

For Washington head coach Tina Langley, this victory marks a significant milestone: her first NCAA Tournament win as the head coach of the Huskies. Despite South Dakota State’s history and their reputation as a strong program, Langley’s team was prepared.

“Tina Langley told us that when she saw their name come up, she said, ‘Oh, I know all about them. I know they’re a very good program,'” a commentator recalled. The Huskies showed respect for their opponent but executed their game plan flawlessly, earning a well-deserved victory and advancing in the tournament. It’s Washington’s first back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances since the 2016-2017 season, signaling a strong period for the program under Langley’s leadership.

Source: Round of 64: South Dakota State vs. Washington | Full Game Highlights | NCAA Tournament (YouTube)