Uncasville, Conn—-Graduate guard Kelsey Ransom delivered a career-best performance as the No. 10 Georgetown Hoyas (12-18, 4-14 Big East) edged out the No. 7 Providence Friars (13-19, 6-12 Big East) in a nail-biting 58-56 victory during the first round of the Big East women’s basketball tournament on March 7.
Redemption After Regular Season Struggles
Following a challenging season, the Hoyas entered the tournament with something to prove, especially after suffering a 66-62 loss to Providence on senior day. Despite being the underdogs, Georgetown came in determined to flip the script.
Ransom wasted no time making an impact, scoring the opening basket from the top of the key. However, both teams struggled to find their rhythm early, as turnovers and missed shots kept the score at a sluggish 4-4 through the first three minutes.
As the first quarter progressed, Georgetown began to settle in. Ransom’s defensive intensity led to a block that set up senior center Ariel Jenkins for a strong layup. Meanwhile, freshman guard Khadee Hession provided an energy boost, drawing a charge despite appearing to tweak her ankle.
Though shooting from beyond the arc was poor for both teams—Georgetown managing just 11.8% and Providence 19%—the Hoyas capitalized on their defensive pressure, finishing the first quarter with a 14-9 lead.
Ransom Takes Control
Providence briefly took the lead at the start of the second quarter, but Ransom quickly responded with a long two-pointer. As the half progressed, she continued to dominate on both ends of the floor.
Just before halftime, Ransom capped off an impressive first half by grabbing a loose rebound and sinking a buzzer-beater from the top of the paint, giving Georgetown a 31-24 advantage heading into the break.
Foul Trouble and a Tight Finish
The Friars fought back in the third quarter, exploiting Georgetown’s foul trouble in the frontcourt. Both Jenkins and senior forward Kaliyah Myricks picked up four fouls early in the second half, limiting the Hoyas’ defensive presence. Myricks fouled out with 3:45 left in the third, allowing Providence to build momentum.
Providence forward Olivia Olsen, playing through visible discomfort with a brace on her knee, led the Friars’ comeback effort. She finished with 21 points and was one of just two Providence players with a positive plus-minus.
With just over six minutes remaining in the game, Jenkins also fouled out. Moments later, Hession was called for a loose ball foul, and Georgetown head coach Darnell Haney received a technical foul for protesting the call. The Friars converted both technical free throws and drew within three points.
Facing size disadvantages, the Hoyas adjusted to a zone defense, alternating between a 2-3 and a 3-2, in an effort to disrupt Providence’s offensive flow. However, the Friars found an open three-pointer coming out of the under-five timeout, cutting the deficit to one.
With under a minute left, Olsen was fouled in transition and sank both free throws to tie the game at 56-56.
Ransom’s Heroics Seal the Win
On the ensuing possession, Ransom attacked the basket but missed back-to-back layups. After a timeout with 27.7 seconds remaining, Providence drained the clock before feeding Olsen in the post. Georgetown’s defense swarmed her, and Ransom came up with a crucial block on a potential go-ahead layup.
Following a review, the Hoyas were awarded possession. With just seconds left, Georgetown inbounded the ball to Ransom, who was fouled immediately. Stepping up in the game’s most pivotal moment, she calmly knocked down both free throws to reclaim the lead.
Providence had one final opportunity with 2.7 seconds left. They lobbed the ball to Olsen for a last-second tip-in, but the shot rolled off the rim, sealing Georgetown’s victory.
Postgame Reflections
Ransom finished the night with a career-high 36 points, playing every minute of the contest. Haney was effusive in his praise for his star guard.
“The kid just has an unbelievable will,” Haney said. “She will not be denied. She’s the ultimate winner. She finds a way to get it done.”
Ransom, however, credited her teammates for their support.
“That’s 36 points off of great screens and fantastic passes, and my teammates knowing where I need the ball,” she said. “You can’t do it by yourself—you have to rely on your teammates and your sisters.”
With the victory, Georgetown advances to the quarterfinals, where they will face No. 2 seed Creighton (24-5, 16-2 Big East) on March 8 at 7 p.m. on FS2.
