In a thrilling start to the Big East women's basketball tournament, both the Providence Friars and the Georgetown Hoyas emerged victorious in their initial matchups. Providence's Sabou Gueye delivered a truly exceptional performance, setting a new career high in points and leading her team to a decisive win. Meanwhile, Georgetown showcased resilience, securing their advancement with a hard-fought battle against Butler. These early results set the stage for an exciting continuation of the tournament.
Providence and Georgetown Secure Victories in Big East Tournament Opening Rounds
On Friday, March 6, 2026, the first round of the Big East women's basketball tournament commenced in Uncasville, Connecticut, witnessing compelling contests. The seventh-seeded Providence Friars faced off against the tenth-seeded DePaul Blue Demons, with Providence claiming a 69-55 victory. The star of the game was undoubtedly Providence guard Sabou Gueye, who recorded an astonishing career-high 31 points. Her offensive prowess was particularly evident in the final quarter, where she contributed 10 points, solidifying her team's lead. Gueye's remarkable efficiency included hitting 15 of her 26 field goal attempts. Complementing her scoring, she also grabbed seven rebounds, dished out three assists, and made two steals. Other key contributors for Providence included Teneisia Brown, who achieved a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds, and Orlagh Gormley, who added 13 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, sinking all three of her attempts from beyond the arc. DePaul's scoring was led by Kate Novik with 13 points and Michelle Ojo with 10.
In another captivating encounter, the eighth-seeded Georgetown Hoyas triumphed over the ninth-seeded Butler Bulldogs with a final score of 62-58. Laila Jewett was instrumental for Georgetown, scoring 19 points, including four crucial free throws in the last 15 seconds of play that sealed their win. The Hoyas established a lead in the third quarter with an 8-0 run, maintaining their advantage despite never leading by more than six points. Brianna Scott added 10 points and seven rebounds, while Chet Nweke contributed 10 points and six rebounds for Georgetown. For Butler, Anna Wypych scored 18 points and Mallory Miller chipped in with 15. The Bulldogs' efforts were hampered by 20 turnovers, which Georgetown capitalized on to score 21 points. Providence is now set to challenge second-seeded Villanova in the quarterfinals, while Georgetown will face the undefeated top seed, UConn, in their next match.
These initial tournament games underscore the unpredictable and competitive nature of collegiate basketball. The exceptional individual performances, particularly Sabou Gueye's dominant display, highlight the talent within the Big East conference. Moreover, the strategic importance of minimizing turnovers and executing under pressure, as demonstrated by Georgetown's late-game free throws, serves as a crucial lesson for all teams as they advance. The upcoming quarterfinal matchups promise further intense competition, where seasoned teams will test their mettle against these rising stars.