The Washington Huskies, with a 4-9 conference record, are on the NCAA Tournament bubble, and a win against the Penn State Nittany Lions would be a significant boost to their resume, particularly given Penn State's 1-12 conference record. Washington's quad record of 1-9 in Quad 1 games, 4-3 in Quad 2 games, 2-0 in Quad 3 games, and 5-0 in Quad 4 games highlights the importance of this non-conference matchup, which falls under Quad 3 for Washington and Quad 1 for Penn State. With 12 wins and 12 losses, Washington is looking to capitalize on their home-court advantage, having won 8 of their 12 home games.
Washington Huskies Have a 62.5% Free Throw Shooting Percentage
The game is scheduled to take place on February 11th, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET at the Alaska Airlines Arena, and will be available to stream on the Pac-12 Network. Fans can also catch the action on the radio through the Washington Huskies' official broadcast.
The Penn State Nittany Lions have struggled this season, with a 10-14 overall record and a 1-12 conference record, placing them near the bottom of their conference standings. Their NET ranking of 130 reflects their challenging schedule, which has included 7 Quad 1 games, resulting in 0 wins. Penn State's recent form has been inconsistent, with 2 losses and 1 win in their last 3 games, including a 75-65 loss to the Michigan Wolverines. The Nittany Lions have excelled in Quad 4 games, boasting a 7-0 record, but their 0-7 record in Quad 1 games and 0-5 record in Quad 2 games highlight the need for quality wins to bolster their tournament resume.
Key Matchups
The Washington Huskies have had a more successful season, with a 12-12 overall record and a 4-9 conference record. Their NET ranking of 51 indicates a stronger schedule and performance compared to Penn State. Washington's recent form has been similar to Penn State's, with 2 losses and 1 win in their last 3 games, including a 70-65 loss to the Oregon Ducks. The Huskies have a 1-9 record in Quad 1 games, but their 4-3 record in Quad 2 games and 2-0 record in Quad 3 games demonstrate their ability to compete against tougher opponents. With an average of 74.5 points per game, Washington is looking to exploit Penn State's defense, which has allowed an average of 72.1 points per game.
The matchup between Washington and Penn State will feature two teams with different strengths and weaknesses. Washington's offense, which averages 74.5 points per game, will face off against Penn State's defense, which has allowed 72.1 points per game. The Huskies' 45.6% field goal percentage will be tested by the Nittany Lions' 42.5% field goal percentage allowed. In terms of pace, Washington averages 69.4 possessions per game, while Penn State averages 68.5 possessions per game. The Huskies' 35.5% three-point shooting will be a key factor, as Penn State has allowed opponents to shoot 34.2% from beyond the arc. With a 14.9-point margin predicted by the CHD Scout, Washington's offense want to capitalize on their home-court advantage.
CHD Scout Prediction
Penn State
69
Washington
84
For Washington, guard Cole Bajema is averaging 14.5 points per game, while forward Keion Brooks Jr. is averaging 13.8 points per game. Both players have been consistent contributors to the Huskies' offense. For Penn State, guard Jalen Pickett is averaging 14.2 points per game, while forward Seth Lundy is averaging 12.5 points per game. Pickett has been a key player for the Nittany Lions, with a 43.8% field goal percentage. With no player momentum data available, it's difficult to determine who's hot or cold, but these players will likely play a significant role in the outcome of the game.
Tournament Stakes
The CHD Scout predicts a Washington win, with a score of 84-69 and a 14.9-point margin. The Huskies have an 88.9% win probability, indicating a high level of confidence in their ability to secure a home win. This prediction is based on the teams' performance throughout the season, including their NET rankings, quad records, and recent form.
A win for Washington would be a significant boost to their NCAA Tournament resume, particularly given the Quad 3 designation for this game. With a 1-9 record in Quad 1 games, the Huskies need to capitalize on opportunities like this to improve their chances of making the tournament. For Penn State, a win would be a crucial quality win, as it would fall under Quad 1 for the Nittany Lions. Given their 0-7 record in Quad 1 games, a win against Washington would be a significant step towards building a tournament-worthy resume.