CHICAGO – Georgetown faced DePaul women’s basketball team four days prior and they are now headed for a third meeting.
A strong second half for the Hoyas led Georgetown 56-37 over Xavier Saturday in the second game of the Big East tournament at McGrath-Phillips Arena. Xavier scored only 11 points after halftime.
Georgetown’s Natalie Butler posted a double double with 11 points and 13 rebounds and forward Faith Woodyard led with 13 points. Guard Logan Battle added 13 points and 8 rebounds as well.
“We know that this is crunch-time and this is what we came here to do,” Woodyard said. “Our coaches at halftime emphasized ‘defense defense defense’ and that’s what we were told all season long. We knew this was win or go home so defense it was.”
Georgetown (11-20, 4-14) went into the half with a 31-26 lead. They opened the second half with an 8-0 run that eventually snowballed into a 21-3 run. Xavier (8-23, 3-15) shot just 27 percent (13-48) on the game.
“Tonight, we had players out of position and walk ons playing roles they weren’t,” Xavier head coach Brian Neal said, referencing the injuries to three starters the Musketeers have suffered. “It was extremely difficult. I feel like we overachieved this season.”
The defensive performance was a stark contrast from when they gave up 91 points to DePaul, Georgetown’s last regular season game. Butler, who was awarded freshman player of the year, said the Hoyas have to slow DePaul’s fastbreak in the third meeting.
“Having communication and talking to each other is key because they like to get a lot of steals,” Butler said. “There’s a whole different chemistry now with the girls and we’re ready. “
Georgetown head coach Jim Lewis said the third meeting will be more about his team’s preparation rather than playing the no. 1 seed in the Big East. DePaul and Georgetown face off Sunday at 6 p.m. a Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill.
“It’s about how we play and not who we play,” Lewis said. “Man what a chance and opportunity to play the game we have prepared 31 games for the world to see. I’m sure they will be ready, but we will too.”