After posting an impressive 10-3 non-conference record, the Georgetown women’s basketball team (10-6, 0-3 BE) looked to break a two-game Big East losing streak against reigning conference champion and national runner-up Rutgers (14-2, 4-0 BE) this past Tuesday at McDonough Arena. Despite being a heavy underdog against the fifth-ranked Scarlet Knights, the Hoyas entered the game undefeated at home this season and were confident leading up to the game. With the Hoyas’ 57-47 loss, though, the team has now started 0-3 in conference play for the first time under head coach Terri Williams-Flournoy.
Despite the support of many of the men’s teams’ standout players, only a few lay-fans came out in support of the Hoyas. That, contrasted with the almost full cheering section for the Scarlet Knights, was an unfortunate sign of things to come. The gap in talent and execution between the Hoyas and the Scarlet Knights was obvious from the get-go, and after the first half, the Lady Hoyas trailed 31-18.
Entering the game, both teams ranked among the league’s best defensive squads. Rutgers ranked second in scoring defense at 48.3 points per game, while the Hoyas, ranked fourth, allowed 54.3 points per game. It was Rutgers’ defense that impressed: bolstered by a stifling full court press, the Scarlet Knights constantly forced the Hoyas to scramble on offense.
Their tough defense provoked an onslaught of traveling violations and errant passes that led to 13 first half turnovers. In addition, Rutgers’ bruising, noticeably stronger front line prevented senior center Aminata Diop from getting into any sort of groove in the paint, and at halftime she had only two points and two rebounds.
With the Rutgers front line holding Georgetown to only six points in the paint and two second chance points, the Hoyas needed to balance the equation with strong play from their guards to keep the game close. That didn’t happen, and the Hoyas shot a shabby 30.4 percent from the field in the first half. Sophomore forward Jaleesa Butler was the only Georgetown player able to make the Rutgers defense sweat, finishing with 14 points and exhibiting strong play throughout the game.
In the second half, Georgetown was able to adjust to the pace of the game and make it competitive. The Hoyas played aggressively on both sides of the floor and brought their deficit as low as seven points.
“We made defensive stops when we needed to,” Williams-Flournoy said. “We were playing with more confidence.”
The Hoyas managed to boost their defense and put more pressure on the Scarlet Knights.
“We knew we could attack them if we limited turnovers,” senior guard Brina Pollack said. “We knew that we could take them off the dribble and make plays.” Pollack finished with seven points on 2-5 shooting from the field and 3-4 shooting from the line.
Ultimately, the turnovers were too numerous to overcome, and the Hoyas came up short.
While coach Williams-Flournoy was pleased with her team’s effort, Rutgers head coach C. Vivian Stringer was not. “We were out of sync,” she commented. “I don’t like these kinds of games. Georgetown played their best. I’m happy that we won—I’m surprised.”
The Hoyas continue their three game home stand on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. against Notre Dame at McDonough Arena. The Hoyas are currently 10-6 overall and 0-3 in the Big East.
