Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Teenage College Basketball Star Mirrors Kelsey Plum's NCAA Tournament Feat

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mintu Tomar | Last updated Mar 20, 2026 5:10 PM ET

After nine years, the Washington Huskies played a first round game in the NCAA Tournament on Friday. Against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, they had some shaky moments in the early minutes but eventually they emerged victorious, 72-54, thanks to a rising sophomore's phenomenal contribution.

After playing for the USC Trojans in her freshman year, teenager Avery Howell chose to join the Huskies for the 2025-26 season. The No.2 guard has been a consistent performer, averaging 13.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. On Friday, she not only helped the program to move into the second round but also posted some impressive numbers.

Howell scored 30 points and 9 rebounds. Her splendid performance also included 7 three-point field goals. With that she also earned a rare milestone, previously accomplished by former Huskies alum and WNBA star of the Los Angeles Sparks Kelsey Plum.

Mar 31, 2025; Spokane, WA, USA; USC Trojans guard Avery Howell (23) shoots against the UConn Huskies during the first half of a Elite 8 NCAA Tournament basketball game at Spokane Arena.James Snook-Imagn Images

According to ESPN, Avery Howell is the first Washington player to score at least 20 PTS and five 3-point field goals in an NCAA tournament game since Plum did it nearly a decade ago.

In 2017, on Mar. 21, Plum scored 38 points and six 3-point field goals for the Huskies against the Oklahoma Sooners in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Avery Howell is makin' moves

She's the first Washington player with 20 PTS and five 3-PT FG in an NCAA tournament game since Kelsey Plum in 2017 pic.twitter.com/Ynf4uZ9LEC
— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) March 20, 2026

Speaking more of Friday's game, freshman center Brynn McGaughy also played a vital role in Huskies' first round win apart from Howell. McGaughy posted 14 points and 4 rebounds.

For the first time since 2017, the Huskies have advanced into the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

They will now face the No.3 seed TCU Horned Frogs on Sunday. The latter cleared their first round hurdle with ease on Friday, routing the UC San Diego Tritons 86-40, thanks to guard Olivia Miles' triple double performance. She scored 12 points, 16 rebounds and 14 assists.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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