One down. Two left.

The women’s basketball team beat the Washington State Cougars 81-49 in Pullman, Wash. Saturday, solidifying a position in the top half of the Pac-10. With two home games left on the schedule, beating the Cougs was a must-happen for the Dawgs to continue to make their case for the NCAA Tournament.

They secured at least a No. 5 seed in the Pac-10 Tournament and could move as high as No. 3 by winning both games and if other teams lose.

Coach June Daugherty said building a case is important to her team, but that the most important thing for the Huskies right now is to get better.

“Control what you can control and that’s our priority, to build strength and get better,” Daugherty said. “It doesn’t matter if you build your resume and you don’t get better.”

The Huskies did just that in Eastern Washington. They held the hosts to 14 points in the first half, a season low. On the offensive end, the Dawgs put up 37 points and shot 40.7 percent from the field. It was Washington’s best opening half since the last time the teams met Jan. 20 in Seattle. To start that contest, the UW shot 42.9 percent on its way to 40 points.

“Not this time of year, there’s no room for that (not getting better),” Daugherty said. “Every time we’re on the floor we have to take the opportunity to get better, whether it’s practice or a game. You have to.”

While the offensive performance was an improvement upon the Huskies’ recent poor shooting, it was defense that greased the wheels.

“I’m very proud of this team,” Daugherty said. “Defense, defense, defense. Pressure on the ball, that’s the number one key. When they picked up the basketball we wanted to be in the passing lane.”

Forward Jill Bell took it a step further.

“We did a good job of scoring on their turnovers and that was a key to the game,” she said. “I just think we did an excellent job tonight. We did a good job of getting deflections. I think it was just an all-around team effort.”

Washington (16-11 overall, 9-7 Pac-10) snatched 15 steals from WSU’s (5-21 overall, 1-15 Pac-10) players.

Husky shooters shot 65.4 percent in the second half, good for 44 points. The outburst withstood a Cougar comeback and increased the lead from 23 to 32 points.

The win was the 24th in a row for the UW in the rivalry, and the Huskies have not lost to WSU since Daugherty signed on as coach.

Senior Cameo Hicks led the Dawgs with 13 points, while Bell and senior Cheri Craddock notched 12 points apiece.

“I just didn’t think about it; if they gave me some room I was just going to shoot it,” Bell said. “I just shot whatever they gave me and my teammates did a good job of finding me.”

She finished 5-of-6 from the floor.

“I like the fact that Jill came out aggressive offensively,” Daugherty said. “I thought her step back was right on. The other thing I like was her defense; she really got down and played defense tonight.”

In the second biggest blowout in the series history, the Huskies also helped each other out by notching 20 assists. Junior Emily Florence led the way with 10 helpers, and she added six rebounds and just one turnover.

“She had a great weekend last week and this week too,” Daugherty said. “We kind of go the way Emily goes. Every day I just think she keeps getting better and better and I can’t say enough about how much she does for this program.”

The players said they are looking to continue their upswing when they host Oregon and Oregon State this week. It will be the last homestand for the six seniors on the squad.

“You always have to block out the distractions,” Bell said. “I’m just excited to show the fans two wins next weekend. We’re excited to finish our Pac-10 season at home.”

Reach reporter Sam Cameron at sports@thedaily.washington.edu.