Georgetown gets by Butler, will face Uconn
UNCASVILLE — Jada Claude scored 17 points and added eight rebounds to lead No. 9 seed Georgetown to a 53-46 win over No. 8 Butler in the first round of the Big East Conference women’s tournament on Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena.
The Hoyas’ win sets up a quarterfinal meeting with No. 1 seed Uconn at noon on Saturday.
After falling behind 17-10 after the first quarter, Georgetown (14-16, 6-14) used a 16-5 second quarter to lead by four at the half. The Hoyas’ starters averaged more than 30 minutes played as a group, with Brianne Scott making the most of her 15 minutes off the bench to score 11 points.
Next up is Uconn, a team that swept the Hoyas in the regular season, but coach James Howard is looking practically at his next game.
“Yes, the draw is Uconn,” he said, “but I know that playing them and having a little success out there quarter by quarter against them can give us something to build off of.”
Butler (11-19, 6-14) was led by Sydney Jaynes 21 points and five rebounds.
Depaul 67, Providence 54:
Aneesah Morrow dominated with 26 points and 15 rebounds to lead the No. 7 Blue Demons into a quarterfinal meeting against No. 2 Villanova.
Depaul (16-16, 8-12) held a 41-22 lead at the half.
Anaya Peoples had 12 points for the winners, and Kendall Holmes 11 and Darrione Rogers 10. Janai Crooms led the No. 10 Friars with 16 points and nine rebounds
Seton Hall 84, Xavier 58:
The No. 6 Pirates raced out to a 46-26 halftime lead and coasted into the quarterfinals. Seton Hall advances to face No. 3 Creighton in Saturday’s late game.