Washington Huskies Women's Basketball Hosts Nebraska in Key Big Ten Matchup

Tina Langley's squad looks to continue strong season and solidify NCAA Tournament berth

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Washington Huskies women's basketball team, led by head coach Tina Langley, will host the struggling Nebraska Cornhuskers on Sunday afternoon in a key Big Ten conference matchup. Washington is 19-8 overall and 9-7 in conference play, while Nebraska has lost six straight games and sits at 16-11 (5-11 Big Ten). The Huskies are led by junior guard Sayvia Sellers, who averages over 19 points per game, and senior guard Elle Ladine, an All-Big Ten Second Team selection last season. Nebraska has dealt with injuries and foul trouble, including the recent loss to Oregon where they blew a double-digit fourth quarter lead. The Huskies will look to defend their home court and continue their push towards an NCAA Tournament berth.

Why it matters

This game is crucial for both teams as they jockey for position in the Big Ten standings and look to secure spots in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Washington is aiming for its second straight tournament appearance, which would be just the third time this century the program has achieved that feat. Meanwhile, Nebraska is desperately trying to end its six-game losing skid and get back on track after essentially playing itself out of NCAA Tournament contention. The outcome of this game could have major implications on the postseason hopes for both squads.

The details

Washington has a strong nucleus back from last season's 19-14 team, led by junior guard Sayvia Sellers, who is averaging over 19 points per game this year. The Huskies also return senior guard Elle Ladine, an All-Big Ten Second Team selection last season, though her production has dipped to just 9.7 points per game this year. Washington added some key transfer pieces, including Avery Howell from USC, who is second on the team in scoring at 13.6 points per game. Nebraska, on the other hand, has struggled mightily of late, blowing a double-digit fourth quarter lead in their most recent loss to Oregon. Injuries and foul trouble have plagued the Huskers, who have gone just 2-9 in their last 11 games.

  • The game will be played on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 2 p.m. CST.

The players

Tina Langley

In her 5th season as the head coach of the Washington Huskies, Langley has guided the program to 19 wins this season, tying the program's highest single-season total during her tenure.

Sayvia Sellers

The junior guard leads the Huskies in scoring at over 19 points per game, and also paces the team in assists and steals.

Elle Ladine

The senior guard was an All-Big Ten Second Team selection last season, but has seen her production drop to just 9.7 points per game this year.

Eliza Maupin

The Nebraska forward suffered an injury in the team's recent loss to Oregon, which proved to be a turning point in the game.

Amiah Hargrove

The Nebraska sophomore standout fouled out with five minutes left in the loss to Oregon, further hindering the Huskers' comeback efforts.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The outcome of this game could have major implications on the postseason hopes for both Washington and Nebraska. A win for the Huskies would further solidify their NCAA Tournament resume, while a victory for the Cornhuskers would provide a much-needed boost as they try to claw their way back into the tournament picture.

The takeaway

This matchup between the Washington Huskies and Nebraska Cornhuskers represents a critical juncture in the seasons for both programs. The Huskies are looking to continue their strong campaign and lock up an NCAA Tournament berth, while the struggling Huskers are desperate to end their skid and revive their postseason aspirations. The outcome of this game could have far-reaching implications on the Big Ten standings and the national landscape as March Madness approaches.