Providence’s Gueye Sets Career High in Big East Tournament Victory

Sabou Gueye delivered a standout performance with 31 points to lead Providence past DePaul 69-55 in the Big East women's basketball tournament first round. The seventh-seeded Friars advance to face Villanova in Saturday's quarterfinals after Gueye's dominant shooting display.

A stellar individual performance by Sabou Gueye propelled Providence to victory in the opening round of the Big East women’s basketball tournament Friday evening in Uncasville, Connecticut. The seventh-seeded Friars defeated tenth-seeded DePaul 69-55 behind Gueye’s career-best 31-point effort.

Gueye’s exceptional shooting touch was on full display as she connected on 15 of 26 field goal attempts without attempting a single free throw. Her fourth-quarter surge included 10 crucial points that helped secure the victory. Beyond her scoring, Gueye contributed seven rebounds, three assists and two steals in the comprehensive performance.

The turning point came during a second-quarter surge when Gueye netted the final nine points of an 11-0 Providence run, including her lone three-pointer of the contest, giving the Friars a lead they would never relinquish. Though DePaul managed to cut the deficit to 14 points late in the game after trailing by as many as 22, Gueye put the game away with a pair of fast-break layups.

Providence received additional support from Teneisia Brown, who recorded a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds. Orlagh Gormley also made significant contributions with 13 points, seven assists and five rebounds while shooting a perfect 3-for-3 from three-point range. The victory improves Providence’s record to 15-17 and sets up a quarterfinal matchup with second-seeded Villanova on Saturday.

For DePaul, which concludes its season at 8-24, Kate Novik led the scoring with 13 points while Michelle Ojo added 10 points in the losing effort.

In the evening’s other first-round contest, eighth-seeded Georgetown outlasted ninth-seeded Butler 62-58 behind Laila Jewett’s 19-point performance. Jewett sealed the victory by converting four free throws in the final 15 seconds of play.

The Hoyas took control with an 8-0 third-quarter run and maintained their advantage despite never leading by more than six points. Georgetown improved to 14-16 and earned a quarterfinal date with top-seeded and undefeated UConn. Brianna Scott contributed 10 points and seven rebounds while Chet Nweke added 10 points and six rebounds for the winners.

Butler’s season ended at 12-19 despite strong efforts from Anna Wypych (18 points) and Mallory Miller (15 points). The Bulldogs’ 20 turnovers proved costly, as Georgetown converted those mistakes into 21 points.