Written By: Nathan Skinner (@Canedude08)
Canes Rising Contributor
Opponent/Conference: University of Washington (Pac-12)
Location: Iowa City, Iowa/ Carver-Hawkeye Arena(Capacity:15,400)
Date/Time: March 20th/12PM ET
TV: ESPN2
Game Notes*
Washington's Best Scorer--Kelsey Plum (22.9 PPG)
Washington's Best Rebounder--Aminah Williams (9.3 RPG)
Washington's Best Distributor--Jazmine Davis (4.2 APG)
Washington's Best Perimeter Shooter--Kelsey Plum (39.8%)
Washington's Best Free Throw Shooter--Kelsey Plum (89.4%)
Team Notes
Washington's Record--23-9 (11-7)
Washington's NCAA Seed--6
Washington's Biggest Wins-- Florida State(80-68), Oregon State(76-67)
Players To Watch
These Huskies pack a lot of bite, especially Kelsey Plum. Plum, a sophomore guard from California, leads U-Dub in scoring with a 22.9 average, she's also an assassin from the perimeter, shooting an impressive 39.8% from beyond the arc. Washington isn't a one woman show, the Huskies have two other players who average double figures in scoring: Jazmine Davis and Talia Walton. Davis was the Huskies leading scorer before Plum emerged, she's now the second leading scorer, averaging 15.9 points per game. Walton averages 12.9 points per game and is the best post player on the roster. She's extremely physical and isn't afraid to throw her weight around in the post. While the Huskies can score at will, they are also a good rebounding team, with three players averaging at least five rebounds per game. Aminah Williams is a beast on the glass, averaging a team high 9.3 boards per game.
Keys To Victory
Make Plum Glum--Kelsey Plum can score any way she wants, the key is for the 'Canes to make the star guard work. That means forcing her off of the three point line with efficient close outs, forcing her to her weak hand with good defensive positioning, and not sending her to the free throw line. It's likely that even if Miami does all of these things, Plum will score. What can't happen is Plum scoring easily. No open shots, no easy baskets, every point should come with a price.
Win on the Glass--Washington has bulk on their front line, something Miami lacks. Therefore, the 'Canes have to rebound as a team, the rebounding gap can't be overwhelming. It's hard enough to beat the Huskies, giving up offensive rebounds would make the task almost impossible. Jassany Williams will need to be active on the boards, she is Miami's best rebounder.
Money Mot--Adrienne Motley is Miami's best player, and she has to have a big game if the 'Canes are to pull off the upset. Motley can score in bunches, as evidenced by her 32 point performance in Miami's big win over Notre Dame earlier this season. Washington knows that Motley is Miami's best player, and will look to eliminate her from the offense. Katie Meier may have to scheme some opportunities for Motley, especially if Washington takes control early.
* UW statistics are for regular season only, Pac-12 Tournament statistics are not included.
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