Coming off of a close victory over La Salle University (1-7) last week, the Hoya women’s basketball team (6-2) looked to continue their winning ways, squaring off in two road games versus cross-town rival George Washington University (4-3) and Monmouth University (2-5).
A slow start by the Blue and Gray in their matchup against George Washington allowed the Colonials to jump out to an early 10-point lead. But with a few minutes left in the first half, a furious run by the Hoyas knotted the game up at 33, a tie the two teams would take into the break.
Sluggish starts, like their first half versus George Washington, have become a troubling recurrence for Georgetown this season, a point Head Coach Keith Brown has sought to correct.
“We make bad decisions in the beginning of the game,” Brown said. “I just had a conversation with them…I said, ‘Why do I have to take y’all in the back and remind you what I told you before the game started?’ Typical kids, they said, ‘I don’t know.’ But hopefully if we start making better decisions, we’ll have better starts.”
The second half proved a stark contrast to the first for the Hoyas. Led by dominant play from captains Sugar Rodgers and Andrea White, the Hoyas opened the half on a 19 to 4 run and never looked back, extending the lead to over 20 points and eventually prevailing 70-54.
Rodgers, a senior shooting guard and this week’s Big East Conference Player of the Week, dominated the stat sheet, scoring 22 points along with eight rebounds, six steals, and four assists. Junior forward White was also impressive, contributing 15 points of her own, as well as five rebounds and four assists. An additional 11 points from junior guard Samisha Powell and 10 from senior center Sydney Wilson meant that four Hoyas achieved double figures for the first time this season.
The play of White, in particular, has caught the attention of fans and coaches alike. Recognized on the team as the number-two scoring option behind Rodgers, White has thrived in her role, averaging 12.3 points and five rebounds per game on the season.
“Andrea is a monster, man,” Coach Brown said. “ I think in the beginning of the season, when I spoke to you guys, I told you that I thought she would have the breakout season. Andrea can do a lot of things… If she’s healthy, I think she’s going to have an outstanding season…She can do everything and she’s been playing like it.”
White credits her recent success to her ability to focus on specific aspects of the game while on the court.
“One of my main focuses right now is rebounding,” White said. “I know I have to do everything to help this team win.”
White also talked about the development of some of the younger players on the team, which has been a promising sign for the Hoyas depth as they approach Big East Conference play.
“Samisha has really stepped up a lot,” White said. “Just even her demeanor on the court, controlling the team. And Vanessa [Moore] has been doing a great job stepping in and playing a different position. The freshmen, they’re learning everyday, just getting better. They look up to us and we have to set an example.”
In Tuesday’s contest versus Monmouth, the Hoyas prevailed 61-48, extending their now season-long winning streak to three games. Georgetown was anchored by another prolific scoring effort from Rodgers, who led all scorers with 30 points.
The Hoyas went back and forth with the Hawks during the first half and entered the locker room leading by only one point. But after starting slow in the second half, the Hoyas were eventually able to extend their lead into double digits late in the game.
Next up for the Hoyas is a tough test at Big Ten powerhouse Penn State University (6-1) on Dec. 9. The No. 10 Nittany Lions will be the Hoyas’ biggest challenge thus far, with an impressive average of 77.3 points scored per contest. The Hoyas will need to come out strong from the opening minute in University Park, Pa. in order to take down Penn State. Tip-off is slated for Sunday at noon with the game broadcast on the Big Ten Network.
